The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCSALW) has revealed plans to begin arms sensitization programs in Ghana to clamp down on illegal acquisition and appropriate use of arms.
According to a Senior Programs Director at NCSALW, Mr Gyebi Asante, the sensitization is to also help reduce the proliferation and increase reportage on small arms, particularly, in wrong and unauthorized hands which could undermine the peace of Ghana.
“We will begin education and sensitization programmes on arms because it is not something to joke with and we cannot look at people make arms manufacturing and acquisition a business due to personal interest,” he said.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem Anti-corruption segment Fabewoso, Mr Gyebi explained the commission is handicapped in its quest to clamp down on the proliferation of arms.
ALSO READ
“Despite our efforts to reduce the proliferation of arms on the market, the porous nature of our boarders which has many unapproved routes are also promoting the importation and exportation of arms,” he explained.
Mr Gyebi also added the commission as part of efforts has begun a national marking of security agencies weapons to ensure they do not get into the wrong hands.
Meanwhile, Paul Boateng, a Security Analyst commenting on the issue Paul Boateng urged there must be a political will in dealing with the proliferation of arms in Ghana.
“Most politicians are benefiting because they feel they need the arms to protect their families so they need to be very cautious with this fight especially as we go to the polls next year because the job of security agencies will be tough,” he cautioned.