Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament and a renowned political scientist, has made a passionate appeal for an end to vigilante activities and what he terms as "machoism" in Ghanaian politics. In an interview on Accra-based Joy FM on Monday, October 5, 2026, Prof Oquaye warned that political intimidation could fuel a cycle of violence if left unchecked. He emphasized that the state must take responsibility for protecting citizens and voters, particularly during elections.
Prof Oquaye expressed concerns over the failure of state institutions to adequately protect people from intimidation, which could encourage political actors to resort to self-defence. He stressed that he does not support calls for political parties or groups to organise their own security structures to protect ballot boxes or supporters during elections. According to him, this approach could lead to more harm than good.
The former Speaker cited the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as an example, stating that "the NPP has men," and therefore, "let us take machoism out of these politics." He warned that political tensions could become more dangerous if citizens began to feel that they had been left to fend for themselves. Prof Oquaye noted that nobody has a monopoly on the capacity to resist and be wild, implying that the situation could escalate if not addressed.
Prof Oquaye shared a personal experience where he invited the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security during an earlier internal presidential election of the NPP. He said the police presence contributed to maintaining peace during the election, highlighting the importance of state security institutions taking preventive action. He believes that this approach can help prevent violence rather than responding only after it has occurred.
As the chair of a committee established to examine the NPP's defeat in the 2024 general election, Prof Oquaye said the party is implementing recommendations contained in the committee's report. The recommendations include measures concerning the party's internal organisation, as well as issues affecting young people and women. He emphasized that the NPP is taking steps to address its internal challenges.
Prof Oquaye also called on influential groups within society, including pastors, chiefs, Mallams, and civil society organisations, to intervene early whenever political tensions show signs of escalating. He urged these groups to use their influence to discourage intimidation and violence before situations get out of hand. According to him, collective action is necessary to prevent the escalation of violence.
The former Speaker maintained that Ghana's political competition should not evolve into an environment where individuals or political groups believe they must organise their own protection because they have lost confidence in the state's ability to safeguard them. He stressed that the state must take responsibility for protecting its citizens, and that this can be achieved through effective policing and other security measures.
Key points
- Prof Oquaye urges an end to vigilante activities and "machoism" in Ghanaian politics.
- He emphasizes the importance of state security institutions taking preventive action to prevent violence.
- Prof Oquaye calls on influential groups to intervene early to discourage intimidation and violence.
