On August 29, 2025, in Ada, on behalf of the sector Minister, deputy Interior minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi called for a stronger regulatory framework to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana.
At the High-Level Consultative Meeting on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the deputy minister pointed out that over 2.3 million small arms are in circulation—1.1 million unregistered and 75,000 artisanal firearms.
He described the current Arms and Ammunition Act (NRCD 9, 1972) as outdated and stressed the urgent need for a new National Arms Act aligned with international standards.
He further emphasized the importance of enhanced enforcement, interagency coordination, and tighter control of artisanal arms production.
Mr Terlabi assured stakeholders that government, under President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to modernizing arms control to safeguard peace and security.
The two-day programme is organized by the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
