The National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul Osman-Razak, has called for the strict but politically neutral enforcement of Ghana’s Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), warning that selective enforcement could undermine public confidence in the law.
He said the effectiveness of the legislation would depend not only on reducing political vigilantism but also on how security agencies investigate and enforce its provisions.
Speaking as Special Guest at a national policy dialogue on political vigilantism organised by Election Watch Ghana, COP Osman-Razak said enforcement protocols must be standardised, investigations conducted on the basis of evidence and accountability mechanisms made transparent.
“The credibility of Act 999 can be challenged by what is prohibited and how it is enforced,” he said. “Enforcement should never be perceived as…over-the-top. Operational decisions for vigilante issues should be guided by intelligent assessment, evidence and professional judgment.”
He said security personnel responsible for field operations and investigations must be professionally insulated from informal political interference to ensure fairness and public trust.
COP Osman-Razak also advocated a stronger preventive approach to political violence, arguing that security agencies and other stakeholders should act well before election campaigns intensify.
“It is easier to prevent political violence before the main event, that is elections. By the time campaign rallies are underway, in essence, we are managing containment rather than genuine prevention,” he said.
He recommended stakeholder engagement 12 to 18 months before elections, followed by youth engagement and civic education nine to 12 months ahead of polling.
He further stressed the need for closer coordination among security agencies, including real-time information sharing, joint operations, coordinated assessments and shared communication channels.
According to him, the success of election security depends on “the good reason and collaboration of the security services and relevant government structures.”
COP Osman-Razak also urged political parties, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to contribute to preventing political violence.
He said Ghana’s democratic stability must not be sacrificed for short-term political interests.
“Ghana has earned a respected place in the international community as a stable democracy. We must not shrink this position. Not for anything. Not for short-term gains,” he said.
He identified neutral enforcement, early prevention, intelligent leadership, real-time information sharing and visible accountability as key measures for strengthening the implementation of Act 999.
