Ghanaian parents are being advised to reconsider buying toy guns for their wards, especially during the festive season.

The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has warned that allowing children to play with toy guns can make them see violence as a normal part of life.

A recent incident in the Amansie Central District in the Ashanti region has sparked concerns about toy guns.

On January 23rd, 2026, police seized a pump-action gun from a 15-year-old boy in Bepotenten Sukuum.

When officers instructed the boy to inform the owner to report to the police station with the proper documents, a clash ensued, leaving one person dead and another injured.

Mr Gyebi Asante, Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, sounded an alarm on Nhyira FM's "Kro Yi Mu Nsem" about the risks of toy guns, warning they can lead kids into real gun violence.

Speaking with host Barima Kofi Dawson, he emphasised that exposing kids to toy guns can shape their perception of violence as they grow up.

"The concern is that kids, especially boys, are often given toy guns as playthings, which can lead to a false sense of familiarity with real guns. If their parents accidentally leave a real firearm unsecured, the child might mistake it for a toy and handle it, with potentially disastrous consequences".

He made a strong appeal to parents to ditch the toy guns and opt for alternative, non-violent toys that promote healthy play and development.

Mr. Gyebi Asante believes this can help shape a safer and more responsible mindset in the children and reduce the risk of them getting involved with real guns.

He also highlights the need for responsible gun ownership and safe storage practices.

He stressed that licensed gun owners must take responsibility for securing their firearms, storing them in a safe and locked place, to prevent kids from getting access to them.

According to him, this will help to prevent accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

He also urged the Ghana police to ensure that licensed armed dealers follow the rules and regulations governing business.

He said the licensed armed dealers should ensure that, before they can sell a gun or bullet to anyone, the person must have a permit to have a gun.

The licensed gun dealers should also be accountable and ensure they follow the rules and regulations governing their work.

According to him, dealers should check that buyers have the necessary permits before selling guns or bullets to them.

"The shops of licensed gun dealers are supposed to be private magazines, meaning they shouldn't operate in open spaces. But nowadays, some dealers have shops in markets, openly displaying guns in some communities.

"Some dealers don't even bother checking if buyers have a permit; they just sell guns and ammo to anyone. They should remember, if someone uses a gun or bullet to kill, they'll be partly responsible too," he said.