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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, has asked political parties in the country to denounce their vigilante groups to 'embolden' the Ghana Police Service.

Calls for the disbandment of various vigilante groups in the country increased after violence emerged during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.

So far, the two major political parties: the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are known to have vigilante groups.

The IGP, who was speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, urged the parties “to immediately denounce their own vigilante groups to create the necessary awareness that will embolden the police. The truth is that if we prescribe a security solution to a politically motivated problem, you may only be reducing the pain but not curing the disease.”

"The police are poised to arrest and profile any group of people claiming to be vigilante groups irrespective of their political affiliation… death in the name of politics will no longer be tolerated in our security setting. We are declaring zero tolerance against political violence and vigilantism,” he added.

Calls To Resign

Several people across the political divide after the violence at Ayawaso West Wuogon By-election asked the IGP to resign.

According to them, he cannot stay in office after admitting that he was not aware Police vehicles and guns were being used during the by-election.

Others also feel he should resign for investigations to be carried out properly.

However, the IGP feels there's no need for him to resign.

“I don’t think my resignation or my being the IGP can influence any investigations in this country . . . Investigations cannot be influenced by me as the IGP,” he stated.