NCCE YENDI EDUCATES THE PUBLIC ON THE DANGERS OF MOB JUSTICE

The Yendi Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified public education on the rule of law, with particular focus on the growing concern over mob justice in the municipality.

As part of the campaign, the Directorate engaged the public through a live radio discussion on Sankara Radio to educate residents on the dangers and legal consequences of taking the law into their own hands.

Speaking during the programme, the Yendi Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr. Osman Kassim, described mob justice, also known as instant or jungle justice, as the unlawful act of individuals or groups assaulting or killing persons suspected of committing crimes instead of allowing lawful authorities to investigate and prosecute such cases.

He stressed that suspicion alone does not make a person guilty, noting that every accused person is entitled to due process and a fair hearing before a competent court.

Mr. Kassim explained that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana protects the fundamental rights of every individual, including persons suspected of committing crimes. He cited Article 13, which protects the right to life; Article 15, which guarantees the dignity of all persons; and Article 19(2)(c), which provides for the presumption of innocence until an accused person is proven guilty or pleads guilty.

He also reminded listeners that Article 41 places civic responsibilities on citizens, including the duty to uphold and defend the Constitution and to cooperate with lawful authorities in maintaining law and order.

Touching on the legal consequences of mob justice, Mr. Kassim stated that such acts violate both the Constitution and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Depending on the circumstances, persons who participate in, encourage or facilitate mob attacks may face charges including murder, manslaughter, assault, causing harm, conspiracy or abetment.

To illustrate the devastating consequences of mob justice, he referred to the 2017 lynching of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was wrongly suspected of being an armed robber and killed by a mob. He noted that the subsequent convictions and sentences imposed on persons involved in the case demonstrate that justice must be administered through lawful institutions and not by crowds.

The discussion further examined factors that contribute to mob justice, including frustration over delays in the justice system, mistrust of law enforcement agencies, misinformation and the irresponsible use of social media.

Mr. Kassim therefore urged citizens to refrain from recording, encouraging or participating in violent attacks on suspected offenders. Instead, he encouraged members of the public to protect suspects from harm where possible and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the Ghana Police Service for proper investigation and prosecution.

He also called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, the media, civil society organisations and community members to support civic education initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, respect for human rights and public confidence in Ghana's justice system.

Concluding the discussion, Mr. Kassim urged citizens to reject mob justice in all its forms and uphold the rule of law by handing suspected offenders over to the Police.

He emphasised that respecting the rights of every individual and allowing lawful institutions to administer justice are essential to strengthening Ghana's democracy, promoting peace and security, and safeguarding justice for all.