NDC denounces militia group "The Hawks"

General News of Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-02-20

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) denounced the militia group The Hawks.

The action comes after members of the group were accused of killing one party member and injuring another in the Ashanti region following a shooting in the party's office on Monday.

According to the party, it is determined to discourage and decisively treat all groups that claim to be affiliated, their actions not reflecting its values.

Police are now on the hunt for 13 suspects listed on its list of wanted people for the deadly incident that cost one's life.

Police blamed the incident for pro-NDC party militias and has already interviewed two opposition party officials about the shooting.

Shortly after his interrogation, however, former Ashanti deputy minister Joseph Yamin, who allegedly formed the militia group, said he was making no mistake in funding the group.

"They are party people and they play their role as party members. That's all. If I finance them so that they do their activities within the party, which I do not do with that, "he asked Kwesi Debrah, of Joy News, in the interview.

But NDC President Samuel Ofosu Ampofo categorically denounced the group and condemned Mr. Yamin for his comments.

"As a party, we will not approve the militias. We are going to investigate this case and we will instead strengthen our internal party security structure.

"The party will strive to deter as many people as possible from engaging in militia activities. This party has officially recognized no existing group and is taking steps to resolve these issues decisively, "he said.

Mr. Ampofo revealed that a director of security and intelligence services will be appointed to help the party develop a policy document that will guide it on how to manage the party's internal security structures by 2020.

He stressed, however, the need for other political parties to lead a heart-to-heart discussion on the way forward.

"Do we think this is the way to go after 25 years of rented democratic experimentation," he questioned.

The NDC, he said, is ready to sit down at the table with all the other political parties to discuss openly and transparently these issues that are gradually devouring the country.

"If we do not apply and unite to fight this threat, we will laugh on the wrong side of the mouth and no one knows who will be next.

"It means that we all live dangerously. Let's work together as committed people to end this chancre, "he said.

Mr. Ampofo's comments are part of an interview with Joy News Evans Mensah.