Vigilantism in Ghana: Examination of Public Attitudes and Media Reports

Abstract

This study examined the phenomenon of vigilantism using a mixed method design, involving an archival study of media reports and a quantitative survey within the Ghanaian context. Drawing on 145 online media reports from January 2002 to December 2017, the study examined trends and patterns of vigilante violence within the Ghanaian context. Results showed a considerable increase in the occurrence of vigilantism within the 15-year period, from 27 cases during the period 2002 – 2011 to 118 cases in 2012 – 2017. Theft and robbery emerged as the most frequently suspected crimes for which victims were attacked. Cases of vigilantism were most frequently reported in urban areas, with the highest number of cases occurring in the Greater Accra Region. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 individuals selected through convenient sampling strategy to examine public attitudes towards vigilantism. Results from hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that attitudes towards vigilantism were predicted mainly by personal factors (i.e., negative reciprocity belief, extraversion and neuroticism). Situational variables (i.e., police trustworthiness, sense of safety, previous experience of crime, and sense of safety), on the other hand, were not significantly related to attitudes towards vigilantism. The study underscores the implications of vigilantism in terms of disdaining human life and dignity, revisiting of our justice systems, punishment procedures, resourcing and empowering the law enforcers to fight the menace with vigilantism.