Youth involvement in political vigilantism: A study of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly

Abstract

The rationale of this study was to determine the underlying reasons for youth involvement in political vigilantism and to explore the threat political vigilantism poses to the peace of the country. The qualitative paradigm was adopted for the study. The design was a case study. Twenty-five (25) respondents were sampled through purposive sampling techniques. Field data was collected with the aid of interview-guide and analyzed using content and thematic analysis. It was found through the study that political parties form vigilante groups due to the mistrust they have in state security apparatus. The study also found out that vigilante groups are formed to perpetuate the rule of political parties. It was revealed through the study that political vigilantism poses threat to the maintenance of law and order in the country. Political vigilantism and its associated violent activities are a great threat to the maintenance of law and order and the general peace and security of the country. Political violence, which is a major component of political vigilantism, jeopardises political stability, democratic reform, prospects of economic development, and creates human suffering and in some cases degenerates into civil war. The study therefore recommends that political parties desist from interfering in the work of the police and the judiciary and that the law should apply squarely to the perpetrators of the political violence if arrested by the police.