By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
In a significant move to address the growing concern over illicit firearms in Ghana,Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr. Adam Alhassan Adamu Bonaa, signed a partnership with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) aimed at educating the public about the dangers of firearm ownership and the urgent need for regulation.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Bonaa expressed alarm at the escalating misuse of firearms in the country. “The situation has gotten very terrible,” he stated. “We are witnessing an alarming number of individuals seeking to own firearms for protection, but when we delve deeper, we find that many simply desire them for show or, worse, for criminal activities.”
He highlighted the pressing need for a regulatory framework to oversee firearm ownership in Ghana. “At the moment, there is no regulator in place. Just as the National Communications Authority (NCA) regulates broadcasting, we need a body to regulate firearms,” he emphasized. “The absence of such oversight has led to a surge in illicit weapons, particularly in regions like Ashanti, which has become a hotspot for illegal arms.”
Dr. Bonaa pointed to recent police actions as evidence of the crisis, noting that authorities seized 14 homemade guns during a raid on bandits involved in bank robberies. “This is not just a statistic; it reflects a serious threat to our national security,” he said.
The NACSA’s partnership with GBC aims to raise public awareness about the risks associated with unregulated firearm ownership. “We are committed to educating our citizens about the responsibilities that come with owning a weapon,” Dr. Bonaa explained. “We want to encourage individuals to report suspicious activities related to firearms. If you know someone who possesses a weapon unlawfully, please contact us at info@smallarmscommission.com. We assure you that your information will be treated with confidentiality.”
Dr. Bonaa also mentioned upcoming government initiatives designed to tackle the issue of illicit weapons in Ghana. “Between now and December, we will be announcing a comprehensive plan that has not been seen since independence,” he revealed. “Our goal is to minimize the presence of illicit firearms and ensure public safety.”
As part of their efforts, the NACSA is calling on citizens to actively participate in the fight against illegal arms by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals who may be unlawfully in possession of firearms.
With this new partnership and proactive measures, the NACSA aims to foster a safer environment for all Ghanaians while emphasizing the importance of responsible firearm ownership.
