Vigilantism in Ghana: Trends, Victim Characteristics, and Reported Reasons
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Date
2020-05-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice
Abstract
Vigilantism is gaining popularity in Africa as a means of self-defence, enacting
justice, policing morality, and sanctioning (perceived) wrongdoings. Drawing on content
analysis of 172 media reports from 2001 to 2018, this study examined the trends and
patterns of vigilantism, characteristics of victims, and reported reasons for recourse to
vigilantism within the Ghanaian context. Results showed a considerable increase in
reported cases of vigilantism within the 18-year period, with most of the cases reported
in urban settings. Theft and robbery emerged as the most frequently suspected crimes
for which victims were attacked and, in many cases, killed. The study underscores the
implications of vigilantism in terms of disdaining human life and dignity. It calls for the
need to revisit the justice administration systems and punishment procedures, as well as
resourcing and empowering law enforcers to fight crime, including vigilantism
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Ghana, law enforcement, mob justice, vigilantism, violence