Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Regional Police Command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, has issued a stern warning against the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural gatherings.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Superintendent Obeng condemned such behaviour, describing it as a serious threat to lives and public safety.

“At this moment, we would want to take the opportunity to strongly condemn the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural events, which poses a grave risk to lives and public safety,” she said.

The police command also reminded the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence under the law.

Superintendent Obeng emphasised that anyone found violating these laws would face strict legal consequences.

“The command goes again to remind the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence and those who are found to be flouting the law will be dealt with accordingly,” she stated.

Her remarks follow the tragic death of Fatima, a second-year student at Bimbilla Senior High School, who was killed by a stray bullet during the annual Fire Festival in Bimbilla, Nanumba North Municipality, in the Northern Region.

The incident occurred as a crowd moved in procession from the regent’s palace to Wampu Dam, where festival rituals were expected to take place on July 6.

The caution comes ahead of a number of upcoming cultural events, including the Homowo festival by the Ga people in Accra, as authorities seek to ensure the safety and security of all participants.

Celebrations are usually accompanied by the firing of musketry loaded with gunpowder, but there is an increasing trend of the use of sophisticated guns and live ammunition.

The police urged the public to cooperate fully and report any illegal activity to help maintain peace during these celebrations.

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