The Russia Branch Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Abongo Ajene, has urged members of the newly inaugurated Lions of NPP in the Upper East Region to operate strictly within the confines of Ghana’s laws, stressing that the group must not be perceived as a political vigilante organisation.
Speaking to A1 Radio News shortly after the inauguration of the 42-member volunteer group, Dr. Ajene defended its formation, insisting that the Lions of NPP is a security support group established to maintain order during party activities rather than a militia prohibited under Ghanaian law.
“As we all know, some time ago, the Government of Ghana banned vigilantes, but this is not vigilantism. This is a security group for the party,” he stated.
His comments come against the backdrop of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which outlawed the formation, operation, and financing of political vigilante groups. The legislation, enacted following years of election-related violence and political militia activities, imposes prison terms of between 10 and 15 years for individuals found sponsoring or participating in vigilante groups.
Dr. Ajene maintained that the mandate of the Lions of NPP is limited to supporting peaceful party activities by preventing disorder and safeguarding members during meetings, rallies, and other organisational programmes.
“If someone has taken drugs and comes to our party activities intending to misbehave, they can prevent such incidents. They are young people who have volunteered to help ensure that our meetings and programmes are conducted peacefully,” he explained.
He emphasised that members had been thoroughly educated on the legal boundaries of their responsibilities and warned that any conduct resembling vigilantism would not be tolerated.
“They know that vigilantism cannot be accepted in Ghana. Their leaders have made it clear that they are expected to operate professionally and lawfully. They are not carrying weapons or engaging in acts of intimidation. This is essentially a psychological support group that provides guidance, encourages discipline, and helps maintain order during party activities,” Dr. Ajene said.
The NPP stalwart further encouraged the establishment of similar volunteer security groups across the country, arguing that organised, law-abiding volunteers could complement existing security arrangements during elections and major political events.
“I want other regions to establish similar groups. Security is everyone’s responsibility. Just as individuals secure their homes, political parties must also ensure that their activities are peaceful and protected. These groups can help prevent intimidation and unnecessary disturbances without violating the law,” he noted.
Responding to concerns over whether such groups were necessary, Dr. Ajene argued that the limited number of state security personnel makes community and volunteer support important, particularly during elections.
“Our security agencies cannot be everywhere at the same time. Political parties can organise responsible volunteers to support peaceful activities. The difference is that this group has learnt from the mistakes of the past. They are not here to intimidate anyone or destroy property but to promote order and discipline,” he added.
The Lions of NPP, comprising 42 volunteers drawn from constituencies across the Upper East Region, were inaugurated under the motto “Be Bold to Do the Right Thing” as part of the party’s preparations towards the 2028 general elections.
Speaking at the launch, the group’s leader, Adure Anthony, said members were motivated by loyalty and commitment to the ideals of the NPP rather than personal gain. He pledged that the group would remain disciplined, law-abiding, and focused on supporting peaceful political activities.
Regional and constituency executives who attended the inauguration echoed similar sentiments, urging members to uphold the rule of law, reject violence, and conduct themselves professionally to avoid any association with political vigilantism outlawed under Ghanaian law.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
