Local gun manufacture may be halted but not in the interim. This is because an alternative livelihood for them has not yet been figured out. Deputy Interior Minister Kobby Acheampong was speaking to JOY NEWS on the sidelines of an anti-small arms community sensitization campaign launch by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons at Bukom in the Odododiodio constituency.

Arms control has been a contentious issue for a stretched period of time. In April this year, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons said there are about 30 licensed arms importers Ghana but database on their activities as well that of local producers is sketchy. About 6,000 guns are reported to be imported annually.

The anti-gun violence community sensitization programme organized by the National Commission on small arms and light weapons is one of a series to be conducted in 9 areas considered as hot spots as far as elections are concerned. It is expected to add to previous public education on the dangers and implication of small arms proliferation especially as elections approach.

Attempts were made by speakers who were drawn from the various security agencies to convince residents of Bukom to tell on neighbors who are possessing arms illegally. Messages to avoid being used to perpetrate election violence dominated their speeches. Political party representatives present pledged proper conduct towards peaceful elections

But the NPP representative called on the police to be quick in addressing election related grievances brought before them to further improve the credibility of the elections.

Armed robbery reports, escalated chieftaincy disputes across the country, election related violence and recently gun battles experienced at the borders of Ghana leaves little room to doubt that illegal possession of arms is rife in the country. Dealing with small arms however requires a holistic solution to the problem of local gun manufacture.

The small arms sensitization programm funded by the UNDP and the British High Commission will be replicated in Ashaiman, Agbogboloshie, Bekwai, Atiwa, Cherepone, Asawase, Yendi and Akwatia.
alt