The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded to the President’s call for the two main political parties to decide the way forward in disbanding vigilante groups affiliated to them.
The letter written by Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is proposing an expansion to the discussions asking that all political parties, civil society organizations, representatives of the media, representatives of the military, police and other security agencies, as well as any other relevant stakeholders included to the discussion.
The NDC is also asking the President to appoint the chairman of the Peace Council to mediate the discussions.
“The phenomenon has appeared to take some root in the fabric of our politics, it is only prudent that the call for a disbandment is extended to not only the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party, but all political parties, civil society organisations, representatives of the media, representatives of the military, police and other security agencies, as well as any other relevant stakeholders.
“In addition, in view of the often recurrent mistrust and suspicion that characterize such interactions by political parties, and the pain and suffering that vigilantism may have created especially in the recent past, it is of the utmost importance that a mediator with national credibility be appointed to drive the entire process. In that regard, my party, the NDC, propose that the National peace Council be appointed as the mediator for such a meeting.”
The NDC added that “we also think that the peace council will require as collaborators, institutions that may have unimpeachable knowledge and expertise in providing support for such efforts. And in this regard the NDC propose that the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPT C), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Institute for Democratic Governance ( tDEG i join the Peace Council to facilitate the process.”
The NDC, however, is also asking the president to take immediate steps to disband and disarm the illegal Armed Force being maintained by the National Security Council.
The opposition party also wants the government to abandon its plans and rather instruct its agents in the regions to stop the state-sanctioned recruitment of political party thugs for the purpose of the 2020 general election.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
