Security analyst calls for review of Vigilantism Act to address emerging threats

Dr. Victor Doke, a security analyst, is advocating for a comprehensive review of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) to tackle emerging threats. This call comes after National Security Coordinator COP Osman Abdul Razak warned that political vigilante groups are increasingly shifting their activities to less visible spaces, such as social media platforms and encrypted communication channels.

Dr. Doke made these remarks during the Election Watch Ghana dialogue on vigilantism. Despite the decline in the visibility of these groups since the passage of Act 999, the threat remains as these organizations are adapting by changing their identities and operating under labels like internal security teams, volunteer task forces, and community security initiatives.

On Joy FM’s Midday News, Dr. Doke emphasized the necessity of reassessing the Act's scope and effectiveness to address these evolving dynamics. He suggested that the law should include provisions for social media, technology, and cyber activities as groups continue to innovate. The analyst pointed out that while the Act has been effective in curbing open vigilante operations, the groups are now utilizing more discreet methods to perpetrate their actions.

Concerned about enforcement challenges, particularly when political figures interfere upon the arrest of suspected vigilantes, Dr. Doke highlighted a worrying trend: a video showing young individuals swearing allegiance to a political party ahead of the 2028 elections. This example underscores the need for security agencies to focus not only on traditional vigilantism but also on its modern manifestations.