The Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, has said the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains one of the government’s main priorities to ensure peace and security in Ghana.
He stated that the Akufo-Addo administration believes that putting an end to the illegal circulation and proliferation of small arms and light weapons is critical for preventing conflict, enhancing internal security, preventing violent crime, and promoting sustainable development.
Inaugurating the governing board of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Accra, he charged them to put in place robust measures to effectively control the illicit trade, manufacture and flow of small arms and light weapons into the country.
Inauguration of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons’ governing board
He stated that the illicit small arms and light weapons situation necessitates enhanced and sustainable preventive measures in addition to increasing the alertness and capacity of security agencies, particularly at the country’s entry points.
Mr. Dery stated that the commission’s activities are critical and should be supplemented by the security agencies’ activities and operations in sustaining peace and security.
“You need to raise awareness among the populace especially border communities and be vigilant in gathering information on illicit arms trade, manufacture, and smuggling to enable the law enforcement agencies to act swiftly,” he added.
Dery said proactive actions and efforts must be taken to deepen the stability and protect society against tension and conflicts escalating into armed violence by limiting access to and abuse of small arms and light weapons by unauthorised persons.
He commended the board members on their appointments and assured them of his support adding that his doors are open for ideas and suggestions on how to strengthen the country’s gun control and monitoring systems to effectively deal with the recent emerging trends in organized crime and its associated demands for small arms and light weapons.
