Former President Jerry John Rawlings has taken on government for its lukewarm attitude towards party vigilante groups whose actions continue to pose a major security risk to the safety of citizens and the country as a whole.

He described the conduct of these pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) groups as reckless vigilantism indicating that it is breeding a new standard of lawlessness and need to be checked as soon as possible.

At the 36th anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution in Ho, he demanded that such groups and their activities be denounced bemoaning the recent attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament for the Asunafo South Constituency, Eric Opoku.

“I have to caution that the rise of reckless vigilantism, which is breeding a new standard in lawlessness, has to be brought to book. Vigilantism perceived to be protected by political authority is a one-way road to a breakdown of law and order. The attacks on the High Court in Kumasi, the recent attacks on a Member of Parliament in Brong Ahafo and other reported incidents of highhandedness by perceived political agents have to be denounced forcefully and dealt with in a firm and swift manner that will inspire public confidence”

He wants government to immediately take steps in addressing the canker by dealing ruthlessly with such hoodlums who hide under political parties to perpetrate crime with the backing of some leaders.