Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
PROV Talks 2026: “A Theoretical Examination of Contributing Factors to the Proliferation of Political Vigilantism: Evidence from Ghana” by Dr. Daniel Owusu Nkrumah
Political vigilantism is extralegal or illegal political action by non-state actors, often involving violence. This undermines the rule of law and democracy globally and poses a major obstacle to Ghana’s political development in the Fourth Republic. Using structuration, institutional failure, and social learning theories, this qualitative study examines factors driving its prevalence. Findings show that failures of key state institutions and political interference have enabled vigilantism, sustained by unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and politicians’ pursuit of power. The study recommends institutional independence, particularly for electoral and criminal justice bodies, to curb vigilantism and strengthen Ghanaian democracy.
PROV Talks 2026: “A Theoretical Examination of Contributing Factors to the Proliferation of Political Vigilantism: Evidence from Ghana” by Dr. Daniel Owusu Nkrumah
Political vigilantism is extralegal or illegal political action by non-state actors, often involving violence. This undermines the rule of law and democracy globally and poses a major obstacle to Ghana’s political development in the Fourth Republic. Using structuration, institutional failure, and social learning theories, this qualitative study examines factors driving its prevalence. Findings show that failures of key state institutions and political interference have enabled vigilantism, sustained by unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and politicians’ pursuit of power. The study recommends institutional independence, particularly for electoral and criminal justice bodies, to curb vigilantism and strengthen Ghanaian democracy.
