The Hon. Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has underscored the need for a robust arms regulatory framework to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana.
Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Meeting on Small Arms and Light Weapons at Ada, the Deputy Minister highlighted the devastating consequences of small arms violence.
According to him, small arms proliferation is not an abstract concern but a pressing reality fueling violent crime, including armed robbery, conflicts, electoral violence, and societal fragility, noting that over 2.3 million small arms are in circulation in Ghana, with 1.1 million unregistered and 75,000 artisanal firearms estimated to be in circulation.
He expressed concern that the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1972 (NRCD 9) of Ghana remains outdated and does not reflect contemporary realities of insecurity. The Deputy Minister added that the government is committed to establishing a robust regulatory framework for small arms and light weapons to safeguard peace, protect citizens, and secure the nation’s future.
To achieve this, he added that the government plans to pass and enact a robust National Arms Act with clear, enforceable provisions and alignment with international standards. Hon. Terlabi also emphasized the need to strengthen compliance and renewal systems, enhance enforcement capacity through training and interagency coordination, and target artisanal arms production and diversion channels.
He called on stakeholders to work together to create a country where peace prevails, human rights are protected, and every individual can live free from the threat of violence.
The Hon. Deputy Minister assured that the government, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, is committed to modernizing the country’s arms control regime to effectively confront the changing nature of small arms threats.
The 2-day programme is being organised by West African Action Network on Small Arms in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme.
