The Interior Minister Prosper Douglas Bani has directed the Ghana Police Service to disband all political party security and vigilante groups ahead of the November elections.

The former Chief of Staff speaking at the national Police command conference in Accra said all political parties must resort to the Police Service for security and protection and not vigilante groups.

According to him, political party security and vigilante groups can destabilize the country as it heads into a major election.

“Of the greatest importance is the need to keep an eye on all the activities of all the so-called private security forces that are being linked to political parties. You must ensure the immediate disbanding of each and every one of them.

“Political parties and their leaders are expected to rely on the only legitimate and approved security organization in the country to provide security at all times and this organization is the Ghana Police service.

“I am informed that the Police in recent times in consultation with the political parties have completed training of personnel to provide protection to the presidential and the running mates of the political parties.

“I understand also that special arrangements are being made for the two female presidential candidates as well. We cannot afford to leave the safety and security of this country and its people in the hands of faceless individuals and groups who in the end might become the very weapons used to derail what has been so gloriously achieved,” Mr. Bani said.