Landguardism has been a long-standing problem in Ghana. The criminal groups who engage in these acts are mostly the same people who also engage in armed robbery. They operate as land guards during the day and as robbers during the night. Shockingly, these land guards are often the very individuals engaged by politicians to carry out vigilante activities. It’s a vicious cycle that has raised questions about the complicity of the institutions meant to uphold law and order in Ghana.
The security agencies, led by the police over the years for whatever reason, seem to turn a blind eye to this issue. These land guards, who operate with impunity, are well-known to the police and politicians. Even the legislature and judiciary are aware of their activities. The Vigilantism and Related Offenses Act passed by the Ghanaian parliament is a clear acknowledgement of the seriousness of the issue. Yet, the question remains: why does the entire legislative, judiciary, and executive arms of government, including the police, pretend as though Landguardism is acceptable?
Recent events have further highlighted the severity of the issue. Just today, reports emerged of land guards attacking a police officer in Ofaakor Jamaica City in the Central Region. Approximately 20 land guards according to the report launched an attack on the officer, demanding a digging fee which the police officer refused to pay, asserting his rightful ownership of the land. Tensions escalated, culminating in a heated confrontation during which the land guards opened fire on the officer as he attempted to leave his car. The officer’s vehicle sustained significant damage, with about 10 bullets piercing through the windscreen and leaving noticeable dents on its sides. In a brazen move, the land guards seized the officer’s AK47 gun before he could summon assistance from the Central East Regional police command. Subsequently, a manhunt led to the apprehension of four suspects involved in the attack, and the stolen AK47 gun was successfully recovered. Miraculously, the police officer emerged unscathed from the harrowing ordeal.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of Landguardism in Ghana. Concrete and decisive measures are required to tackle this complex problem. Here are some suggestions to effectively combat Landguardism in Ghana;
The police and other law security agencies must prioritize the crackdown on Landguardism. This should include proactive measures to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in land guard activities. Stronger intelligence gathering and surveillance operations can play a crucial role in targeting these groups and bringing them to justice.
The judiciary must demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach towards Landguardism. Cases related to land guards and their criminal activities should be expedited, and perpetrators should face the full force of the law. Prosecution and sentencing should send a strong message that such unlawful activities will not be tolerated.
Politicians who engage land guards for vigilante activities must be held accountable. Any form of collusion or support for these criminal groups should result in severe consequences, including legal and political ramifications. The political will to address this issue is paramount in ensuring comprehensive reforms.
Engaging local communities is essential in tackling Landguardism. Creating avenues for citizens to report suspicious activities and providing support for those affected by land guard actions can foster a collective effort to combat this menace. Community policing initiatives can also help to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public.
Education and awareness are powerful tools in addressing Landguardism. By raising public awareness about the detrimental impact of land guard activities on society, individuals can become more vigilant and proactive in reporting and resisting such criminal behavior.
Effective collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders is crucial. This multi-pronged approach can harness resources and expertise to effectively address the systemic issues that perpetuate Landguardism.
The problem with Landguardism in Ghana is deeply rooted in systemic issues, and the solution requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying factors contributing to the persistence of this criminal behavior. It is imperative for the government, law enforcement, and the broader society to unite in a concerted effort to tackle Landguardism and restore the rule of law. Only through sustained and coordinated action can Ghana effectively confront this pressing challenge and create a safer and more secure environment for its citizens.
Source: Mohammed Abdul Hanan EL-Saeed
K414, Ward K
Tamale
