The inauguration of a 42-member youth security group affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has triggered public anxiety and renewed debate over the possible re-emergence of political vigilante groups ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
The group, known as “The Lions of NPP,” was officially launched in Bolgatanga under the motto, “Be Bold to Do the Right Thing.” Its membership is drawn from constituencies across the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the inauguration, the group’s leader, Adure Anthony, rejected suggestions that the organisation is a vigilante group. He said it is a youth volunteer body established to provide security, protect the party’s interests, and support the organisational activities of the NPP at both constituency and regional levels.
Despite those assurances, the launch has generated widespread concern among sections of the public, with many drawing parallels to the political vigilante groups that operated in Ghana before Parliament passed legislation to outlaw such organisations.
A video of the inauguration shared on Facebook has attracted numerous reactions, reflecting sharply divided public opinion.
Some commentators warned that the formation of party-linked security groups could undermine public confidence in national security institutions and heighten political tensions as the country moves towards the next election cycle.
Vincent Mbabila Abala criticised the initiative, arguing that politicians often exploit young people for political violence before abandoning them when they face legal consequences.
Abdul-Gafaru Salifu alleged that the group could become a channel for recruiting politically aligned individuals into the country’s security services if the NPP returns to power, a claim for which he provided no evidence.
Others called for law enforcement agencies to intervene. Victor Teye Narwortey Manihey questioned whether such groups remain lawful following Ghana’s ban on political vigilante organisations, urging the Ghana Police Service to investigate the group’s leadership. Moore Justice similarly appealed to the police to “do the needful” against any unlawful vigilante activity.
Evangelist John Apambire advised members of the group to obey the law and avoid allowing politicians to use them for partisan interests, warning that individuals who break the law would bear personal responsibility for their actions.
Not all reactions were critical. Obaapa Tebi defended the initiative, arguing that the group is merely a volunteer organisation motivated by support for the NPP. Nana Amakye Ferdinand also welcomed the formation of the group and called for similar volunteer groups to be established elsewhere.
Others questioned the necessity of the organisation altogether.
Adigvom Charles described the move as unnecessary, arguing that Bolgatanga Central has not experienced political security challenges that would justify such a group.
The emergence of “The Lions of NPP” has revived memories of the activities of party-affiliated groups such as the Delta Force and Invincible Forces, whose operations contributed to national concern over political violence before Ghana enacted laws prohibiting political vigilante organisations.
Although the organisers insist the group is not a vigilante organisation, the public reaction underscores lingering fears that party-affiliated security structures could inflame political tensions if they operate outside the framework of the law.
As of the time of publication, neither the Ghana Police Service nor the Electoral Commission had publicly commented on the group’s inauguration or whether it raises any legal or security concerns.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
