By: Francis Abedi
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has launched a nationwide public education campaign dubbed “Silence the Gun, Save a Life,” aimed at combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. As part of the campaign, the Commission has engaged with students in selected Junior High Schools and tertiary institutions in Kumasi to educate them on the dangers of gun violence and promote a culture of peace and security.
The programme is designed to reach young people who are often most vulnerable to the influence of violence, educating them about the risks associated with gun violence and illegal arms possession. It also aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of illicit arms on communities, foster zero tolerance towards illegal firearm possession and trafficking, encourage responsible ownership of arms, and promote safe storage practices. Topics included the dangers of small arms proliferation, risks associated with youth vigilantism, consequences of illicit arms possession and usage, and promoting non-violent conflict resolution.
According to the Commission’s report, the Ashanti Region tops gun violence and gun proliferation in the country. During the first engagement with some students in Kumasi, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, urged the public to stay alert and report all suspected individuals who possess guns for any unlawful activities to the Commission.
“I want to urge the public to stay on alert within their communities and report any suspicious individuals who possess guns and use them for unlawful or criminal activities to the Commission. Even if you see that a neighbor has a gun on him, just draw the attention of the Commission so we can verify whether it is licensed or not,” he stated.
He also cautioned those who possess guns legally to be mindful of the laws relating to gun use and possession.
“Let me send this caution: the fact that you have your gun license does not give you the permit to carry it around or display it publicly. The law frowns against that, and you could be prosecuted for such,” he added.
