EMMANUEL ALEX NTI CRITICISES NPP'S "LIONS OF NPP" YOUTH GROUP, CALLS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY INTERVENTION

Political analyst Emmanuel Alex Nti has criticised the formation of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) newly launched youth security group, the "Lions of NPP," describing the initiative as a potential threat to public peace and national security. The NPP in the Upper East Region recently inaugurated the 42-member volunteer group under the motto, "Be Bold to Do the Right Thing." According to party officials, the group has been established to provide security support during party activities and help protect the party's interests as it prepares for the 2028 general elections. Speaking at the launch, the group's leader, Adure Anthony, rejected allegations that the organisation is a vigilante group. He maintained that the Lions of NPP is a volunteer youth group created solely to maintain order and provide security during party programmes. The formation of the group has, however, sparked mixed reactions among members of the public and political observers. Speaking on ICAD TV's Ghana Nti Morning Show, Emmanuel Alex Nti expressed concern over the establishment of the group and called on the National Security Secretariat and other state security agencies to closely monitor the situation. According to Mr. Nti, Ghana has previously experienced the negative consequences of politically affiliated security groups, some of which were associated with acts of violence before the passage of legislation in 2019 aimed at prohibiting political vigilantism. He urged government institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and the country's security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that all political organisations operate within the confines of the law. Mr. Nti stressed that the strict enforcement of Ghana's laws against political vigilantism is essential to preserving peace, protecting democratic institutions, and preventing the resurgence of politically motivated violence. The New Patriotic Party maintains that the "Lions of NPP" is a lawful volunteer group established to provide security at party events and has denied claims that it functions as a vigilante organisation.