The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has raised alarm over the growing threat posed by the proliferation of small arms in Ghana and the wider West African region.
He described it as a critical national and regional security challenge that must be urgently addressed.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of the National Commission on Small Arms on July 11, the Minister vowed to intensify efforts to control the spread and misuse of illicit firearms in the country.
“The proliferation of small arms continues to fuel violent crimes and conflicts in Ghana and across West Africa. We are committed to curbing this menace through stronger policies, enforcement, and public awareness,” he said.
The Minister expressed deep concern over the economic and social toll of small arms-related violence. According to him, the government continues to spend significant resources repairing the damage caused by gun-related crimes, which includes loss of lives, injuries, destruction of property, and community displacement.
“The cost of responding to violence involving small arms is unsustainable. It diverts funds from development and undermines our peace and security,” he noted.
Data from the Ghana Police Service highlights the scale of the problem. Around 80% of weapons retrieved at crime scenes are locally manufactured, revealing a thriving underground industry of illegal gunsmithing.
Additionally, the police estimate that about 95,000 illegally produced weapons are currently in circulation across the country. These weapons are believed to be fueling various criminal activities, including armed robbery, murder, rape, and inter-community violence.
National Arms Bill in the Pipeline
To address this growing crisis, the Interior Minister announced that the government is working to ensure the passage of the draft National Arms Bill into law. The bill is expected to strengthen Ghana’s legal and policy framework on arms control, regulate local manufacturing, and align national laws with international best practices.
“Our legal frameworks must evolve to reflect the changing nature of arms proliferation and illicit trafficking. This bill will provide the structure and authority needed to tackle the issue more effectively,” the Minister said.
The Minister also reaffirmed his ministry’s dedication to restoring and maintaining peace in conflict-prone areas such as Bawku in the Upper East Region and Alavanyo-Nkonya in the Volta Region communities that have experienced recurring violence partly due to access to unauthorized weapons.
“We are enhancing enforcement and working closely with stakeholders to de-escalate conflict and prevent further bloodshed,” he assured.
Also speaking with 3news, Dr. Adam Bonaa, a member of the newly inaugurated board and Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms, used the opportunity to caution the public, especially the youth, against using unauthorized weapons during the upcoming festive season.
“This is a time for celebration, not conflict. We urge everyone to avoid the use of firearms during festivals. The law will deal harshly with anyone found flouting arms regulations,” Dr. Bonaa warned.
The inauguration of the new board marks a renewed effort to confront the challenges of small arms proliferation. The Commission is expected to play a key role in education, regulation, advocacy, and collaboration with security agencies to rid communities of illegal weapons.
With the combined efforts of the Ministry, security services, and community stakeholders, the government hopes to build a safer, more secure Ghana—one where peace and development can thrive free from the threat of gun violence.
