48% of weapons in circulation cannot be traced-Commission on Small Arms

On February 14, 2024, 5:55 AM

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons(NACSA) says that 48% of weapons in circulation in the country cannot be accounted for.

The commission contends that approximately 1.1 million small arms and light weapons out of a total of 2.3 million currently circulating within the country pose a significant danger to the nation’s security.

The Head of the National Arms Marking Programme at the commission, Frank Boateng Asumani speaking at the regional conference focused on addressing the humanitarian impact of improvised anti-personal mines on February 13 emphasized ongoing efforts to minimize the proliferation of these arms.

“Currently, we have 2.3 million small and light weapons in circulation, out of which 1.2 million are legally registered and the remaining 1.1 million cannot be accounted for and so the commission is currently looking for funding to know the level of proliferation we have in the system. We are talking about AK47s, pistols, pump-action guns, and locally manufactured guns.”

He said the illicit spread and misuse of small arms had far consequences contributing to protracted and deadly conflicts, crimes, the erosion of peace and security, and threatening existence.

Background

In August 2023, the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons needed the power to seize unauthorized weapons in communities.

“This is my plea. The NACSA should be given the power to bite to be able to enforce and implement its mandate”.

The plea followed concerns by the NACSA over the proliferation and use of unauthorized  weapons in the country, especially the Greater Accra region.

The Ga Mantse described the situation as worrying and said aside from being given the power to seize weapons, the Commission should also be resourced.

He said that was the only way to avoid violent conflicts in the country. Board Chairman, NACSA, Professor Paul Frimpong-Manso noted the vital roles chiefs played in ensuring the security and safety of their communities and asked for their support to rid communities of unauthorized weapons. He said the recurrent incidents of gun violence in the country, particularly in the capital, called for the need for stakeholders, especially chiefs, to collectively support the Commission to address such challenges.

Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, said her outfit would partner with the Commission to address the challenges associated with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, to create an environment where development could thrive.

“The issue of proliferation of small arms and light weapons is not for Ghana alone so, we have been working with other countries in the region to make sure that they have strategies that cut across borders, and partnerships between agencies and institutions in different countries,” she said.

Story By Will Agyapong