The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has destroyed a total of 1,194 confiscated interdicted weapons at the Sekondi Prisons Park.
Speaking at a ceremony before the incineration of these weapons, Executives Secretary for the Commission, Jones Borteye Applerh said about 89.5% of these weapons seized were foreign-made.
According to him, the situation worryingly contradicts this year’s national composition of 94. 9%.
He noted that the commission has taken an aggressive campaign to eradicate the possession of illicit weapons in the country, especially for the elections.
“What we are doing today is to let the public know that our security agencies understand the implications of weapon proliferation. And so when they get thee weapons they seize them.
Also speaking at the event on Thursday, the Deputy Western Region Minister, Gifty Eugenia Kusi urged the public to commit to peace, as the government does it bid to protect the citizenry.
Madame Kusi explained that “the proliferation and misuse of small arms lead to decreasing human safety and security.”
“That is why the government has taken a serious view of the issue of illicit small arms and light weapons and is adopting measures that will prevent criminals, armed groups and other state actors from having access to illicit small arms,” she explained.
Board Chairman for the Commission, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso also charged that the nation does not compromise on its peace.
In July 2020, Ghana was ranked the third most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa by the Global Peace Index.
He wants this position upheld especially as the December general elections approach.
“It [December elections] is an opportunity to show the world, once again, the level of maturity of Ghanaian-fledgling democracy. The threat posed by violence if not managed risks rolling back the country’s democratic dividends,” he added.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com
