The Coalition of Civil Societies against Political Vigilantism foresees disaster due to government’s posture on the recommendations proposed by Ayawaso West Wougon by-elections report.
The coalition questioned government’s decision not to accept most of the recommendations of the Ayawaso West Wougon by-elections report.
The CSOs explained that the public has seen evidence of incidents on the violence at the Ayawaso West Wougon by-election hence government’s decision seems to endorse electoral violence.
Addressing the press, Chairman of the group, Mensah Thompson gave the government a week ultimatum to rescind its position not to prosecute Sam George’s slapper.
“Considering how much evidence already exists in the public domain, we have videos, tapes, people have a fair idea the extent of the violence, damages, that occurred. We believe that it is dangerous and could be a recipe for disaster considering government’s posture and to a large extent, create the impression of a classic government approval for the assault and other forms of violence that happened at Ayawaso West Wougon. This could be described as government condoning and supporting violence.”
The coalition predicts an upsurge of violence if the government fails to prosecute the operative who slapped Sam George.
This we also believe could potentially embolden operatives and party groups to use more violence or excessive force on unarmed civilians during elections. We are therefore calling on government to rescind its decision not to prosecute that operative.”
Also, the Minority in Parliament has threatened to drag Mohammed Sulemana, the man who slapped Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election before the Privileges Committee.
The Minority Spokesperson on Defence and Interior, James Agalga in an interview said the conduct of Sulemana, a SWAT officer is an affront to the dignity of Parliament and warrants some sanction.