<<Print>>

The Greater Accra Regional Commander of Police, DCOP Patrick Adusei Sarpong has categorically stated in his testimony to the Commission of Inquiry that political parties use vigilante groups as means of creating employment for its party boys.

According to him both the party boys and Executives become used to each other, making them trust themselves more than the security agencies.

He said party executives believe they feel secured by the protection and support given to them by their party strong boys.

“It is a means of employment to some party boys who have little or nothing to live on, so when the executives realize they are closer to the party they use them for all kinds of things, and once they get support from them it is good for them,” he said.

He also confirmed the fact that parties in opposition don’t trust state security personnel because of the amount of authority they have over the police when in government.

“The fact is when they are in government they have certain influence over the police so when they are out of government and don’t have it they become afraid and apprehensive that the power they used when in power and had will be used against them. So they are afraid of their own shadows,” he confidently said.

When asked by the Counsel for the Commission, Lawyer Eric Mensah on what he thinks should be done to prevent the politician in power from having control over the security service, he said “In my personal view as Mr. Sarpong and not a Police Officer, politicians should do their politics and allow security men to do security work. There should be a law that should be sustained forever and with time security issues will be strong and be intact in the country.”