MP Sam George Suggests Fixing Land Tenure System to Curb Vigilantism in Ghana
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, believes that the root of vigilantism in Ghana can be traced back to the activities of land guards.
He is convinced that streamlining land acquisition in the country would solve incidents of political vigilantism.
Vigilante groups affiliated with the two main political parties in Ghana, the NPP and NDC, have caused mayhem, including some deadly attacks on innocent citizens. Despite calls from well-meaning Ghanaians to disband these groups, little progress has been made.
Recently, President Akufo-Addo ordered the NDC and NPP to voluntarily disband the vigilante groups, or he will initiate legislation on the matter.
However, when Sam George appeared before the Emile Short Commission investigating the violence that occurred at the January 31 by-election at Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, he suggested that disbanding these groups may not be the appropriate solution.
George argues that the solution to the menace of vigilantism lies in fixing the country’s land tenure system.
He explains that the members of these groups do not engage in political activities every day but are land guards. Therefore, fixing the land tenure system and ensuring that the police can operate freely will solve the issue.
George believes that the current form of vigilantism in Ghana is a growing “monster,” but it can be curtailed if the police are given a free hand to operate.
If the police can clamp down on these groups and there is no job for them, the demand and supply system will collapse. However, he admits that the land situation in the country cannot be fixed within a matter of two years.
In the interim, George suggests that the nation and politicians need to take a stand and name and shame everyone involved in any of these activities. He reveals that the people who own these militia groups have occupied prominent positions in the country before. By fixing the land tenure system and naming and shaming these individuals, Ghana can curb the menace of vigilantism.