A pro-National Democratic Congress group has petitioned the National Peace Council on the alleged training of New Patriotic Party ‘macho men’ in military tactics and gun use at Asutuare.

According to the North America branch of NDC Professionals Forum, those supposed NPP militias are being trained “to unleash violence and intimidation on innocent Ghanaians” during the 2020 general elections.

The group claimed the NPP is desperate in hanging on to power, claiming a clear example is the “bloody violence” at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election last year, describing that incident as NPP’s “dress rehearsal”.

Again, the group said it has “seen an intercepted letter from the office of the Upper West Regional Security Coordinator requesting NPP Constituency chairmen to submit names of strong men to be trained purposefully for election 2020”.

This, according to the NDC group, “suggests formation of a militia”.

“As Ghanaians in the diaspora, we believe the country deserves better and therefore we owe it a duty to ensure that we keep the peace and harmony we have enjoyed over the years”.

It is thus asking the National Peace Council (NPC) to “prevail on the government of President Akufo-Addo to desist from this ongoing action” that is likely to threaten next year’s election.

Although it said the government has denied recruiting party thugs, “it is very clear its position not to prosecute persons recommended by the commission of inquiry” is to entrench its reign of terror on Ghanaians.

“We need all well-meaning Ghanaians and stakeholders to add their voices to ensure that the government does not abuse its authority and plunge the country into a point of no return,” the group said in its petition signed by Arnold Appiah.

It added that “using state resources to train people to hurt the state is not Godly and just”.

“We need a country where the churches can continue to function to the glory of God. We need a country where the media can function to deepen our democracy. We need a country where businesses can flourish to provide opportunities and prosperity for all,” it stated.