The Coalition of CSOs Against Political Vigilantism and Violence Extremism has expressed grave concern over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) response following a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the elections taskforce ahead of the Akwatia by-election.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, August 20, the Coalition described the NPP’s reaction as “paradoxical and dangerous,” warning that it could incite vigilante groups and undermine public confidence in the Ghana Police Service.

At the said meeting, the police assured political parties of their readiness to maintain peace, protect voters, and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

While most stakeholders welcomed this assurance, the NPP expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the credibility of the police and warning that its members might “protect and defend themselves” due to what they described as a lack of arrests following the recent disturbances during the Ablekuma North re-run of the election.

The Coalition argued that such statements risk creating unnecessary tension ahead of the polls.

“By making public threats of self-defence, the NPP risks encouraging vigilante militants to take the law into their own hands, potentially sparking violence before, during, and after the Akwatia by-election,” the statement said.

The group reminded the NPP of the violent scenes witnessed during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in January 2019, noting that justice has yet to be delivered to the victims.

It also pointed out that the NPP itself supervised the recruitment of thousands of police officers during its tenure, making its current distrust of the police contradictory.

The Coalition called on key stakeholders to intervene:

The Electoral Commission (EC) to demand cooperation and condemn threats.

The National Peace Council to urgently mediate and remind political actors of their responsibility to maintain peace.

Civil society, religious leaders, and the media to speak against inflammatory rhetoric and political vigilantism.

The NPP leadership to retract its statements and cooperate fully with security agencies.

The Ghana Police Service to remain professional, impartial, and ensure that anyone who attempts to disrupt peace at Akwatia is dealt with in accordance with the law.

Reiterating its position, the Coalition emphasised that elections must be won through the ballot box, not violence or intimidation.

“Ghana’s democracy is too fragile to be jeopardised by irresponsible political statements.

The peace of Akwatia, and indeed Ghana, must be placed above partisan expediency,” the statement stressed.