The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has expressed concern over the reported inauguration of a security group known as “Lions” by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region, describing the development as a potential threat to national security and democratic stability ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking in an interview with Modern Ghana News on Wednesday, the Secretary-General of the GFL, Mr. Abraham Koomson, alleged that the formation of the group contravenes the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), warning that it could signal a return to partisan vigilantism.

“The inauguration of ‘Lions’ is a political provocation and a legal breach. It is an affront to the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, Act 999, and an early warning sign that some political actors are preparing the ground for intimidation in 2028,” Mr. Koomson said.

He argued that the establishment of partisan security structures undermines the state’s constitutional responsibility for maintaining security and could encourage the formation of similar groups by rival political parties.

“Once one party normalises a private army, others will follow. That is how elections degenerate into violence. The Upper East, given its border dynamics and history of tension, cannot be used as a testing ground for political militias,” he warned.

Mr. Koomson further stated that, “The setting up of a partisan security outfit ahead of the 2028 elections is not only provocative; it is illegal. Ghana’s democracy cannot afford a return to political vigilantism.”

He described the reported unveiling of members of the “Lions” group in party regalia last weekend as a form of political signalling intended to intimidate opponents and influence the political landscape at the constituency level.

The GFL has called for swift action by state institutions to address the matter. It urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the alleged activities of the group, disband it if found to be operating in breach of the law, and prosecute those responsible in accordance with Act 999.

The federation also appealed to the National Peace Council, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and development partners to publicly condemn the formation of partisan security groups and resist any political pressure that could undermine Ghana’s democratic process.

“Democracy is not won with party militias. It is won with ideas, policies, and the will of the people. Any party that believes it needs ‘Lions’ to win an election does not trust the voter,” Mr. Koomson said.

He reminded the IGP that Act 999 expressly prohibits political parties from organising, training or deploying vigilante groups for security or intimidation purposes, noting that offenders are liable to prosecution and imprisonment.

“The IGP and the Ghana Police Service must investigate the activities of the group and enforce Act 999 without fear or favour,” he said.

Mr. Koomson cautioned that failure to enforce the law could embolden political actors to disregard existing legislation as the country approaches the 2028 elections.

“Failure to enforce the law now would send a dangerous political message that parties can operate above the law with impunity as elections approach,” he stated.

The GFL further called on Parliament, the Electoral Commission and the country’s security agencies to treat the reported formation of the “Lions” group as a test of Ghana’s commitment to peaceful, credible and violence-free elections.

“Security is a mandate of the state, not of political parties. Any attempt to create parallel security structures erodes public trust and endangers lives,” Mr. Koomson added.

Parliament enacted the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), to prohibit political parties from organising, training or using vigilante groups to provide security or intimidate political opponents. The law provides for sanctions, including imprisonment, for individuals found guilty of violating its provisions.