The Member of Parliament for Builsa South Constituency in the Upper East Region, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, says the inability of the state to take action against political party vigilantism is creating more chaos in the country.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP said if harsh punishments were meted out to those who were involved in acts of violence, it would have served as deterrent for others. Dr. Apaak made the observation while commenting on Inspector-General Police (IGP) David Asante-Apeatu’s directives to the Ghana Police Service to pursue all vigilante groups irrespective of their political affiliations.

He told TV3 New Day host Johnnie Hughes that “if we are going to be under insecurity, then we are not going to make progress”. “The acts of impunity and lawlessness are too much. The President is not designated and given the powers of the Commander-in-Chief for nothing so we expect that actions will be taken.”

The NDC legislator added: “If the President has issued instructions and his directives are not being adhered to because the police feel intimidated, it is dangerous. “What is happening now is a copy-cut syndrome because once group is freed and it gives the impression that the other group can do same and go scot free.

“We must put a stop to it. It is not acceptable and NPP should stop defending and shielding miscreants. It is the President who has the responsibility to create a stable nation for us all,”

Dr. Apaak explained. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Eric Twum, who was also a panelist, said “somebody must take responsibility and make sure these people are brought to book”. He added that “if we don’t deal with the main issue and look for the root cause, then where are we going”.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) member said “let’s move away from this idea that there is insecurity in this country because if you go by that logic, it will not help the nation”.