The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference insists that members of New Patriotic Party (NPP) vigilante group, Delta Force members should not be treated with kid gloves but must be sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to other vigilante groups in the country.

In a statement issued and signed by Most Reverend Philip Naameh Archbishop of Tamale & President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference on Monday, it acknowledged the commitment of the security agencies in dealing with the situation.

“We equally acknowledge their commitment to deal with any person or group that breaks the law irrespective of their political affiliation and urge them not to relent in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to book. This, we believe, will serve as a deterrent to the public and send a clear signal to such other “vigilante groups” who believe they can act with impunity and vicious disrespect for legitimate authority”

Read Full Text of Release Below:

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has noted with dismay the disregard for the rule of law exhibited by the Vigilante Group “Delta Force” at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Circuit Court on Thursday, April 6, 2017. We, the Catholic Bishops, hereby condemn in no uncertain terms the incident of raiding the said court and will like to call on all and sundry to do same.

Such acts of wanton disregard for the legitimate work of state institutions and state officials only go to discredit the hard-won democratic credentials of our beloved country. The Conference, however, will like to commend the Minister of the Interior and the Inspector General of Police for their prompt response to the Kumasi incident. We equally acknowledge their commitment to deal with any person or group that breaks the law irrespective of their political affiliation and urge them not to relent in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to book.

This, we believe, will serve as a deterrent to the public and send a clear signal to such other “vigilante groups” who believe they can act with impunity and vicious disrespect for legitimate authority. We call on the constitutionally recognized security agencies and institutions of our country to enforce, without fear or favour, the laws of the land and ensure the safety of life and property of all Ghanaians.

We hope the security agencies will intensify their work of intelligence gathering in order to act promptly to avert such incidents in the future. We also call on all Ghanaians to be law abiding and never take for granted the peace and stability we have enjoyed and continue to enjoy. Ghana remains the motherland of all Ghanaians and a haven for many peace-loving people; let us all, therefore, work together as leaders and citizens to safeguard and sustain the peace, freedom and stability of our dear motherland.

Archbishop of Tamale & President,

Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference