The president of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), Baffour Dokyi Amoa, has described the influx of unlicensed small arms in the country as a very serious issue that needs to be addressed with urgency.
He said the proliferation of small arms posed a threat to the nation’s security and attributed the current spate of armed violence in some parts of the country to easy access to weapons.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the management of the New Times Corporation in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Amoa said about 80 to 90 per cent of small arms and light weapons are locally manufactured and this is a very serious issue.
He, therefore, called on the government to strictly adhere to regulations and framework of the United Nations and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the importation of small arms and light weapons into the country.
The Times cannot agree more with Mr Amoa’s observation because one of the priority areas in ensuring the safety of people is the control of arms and ammunition.
There is total laxity in observing the regulations on arms and ammunition dealers in the country. This situation has resulted in the proliferation of arms with some finding their way into unauthorized hands.
It is no secret that arms dealers in this country have over the years engaged in illegal trade of arms to the extent that not only criminals but people in privileged positions as well as those who can afford them, are in possession of small arms.
Some security officers allegedly steal small arms and ammunition from their organisations’ armories and either sell them to robbers or use them to harass innocent citizens.
The spate of armed robberies, murders and criminal activities in the country is certainly the product of this laxity in observing arms control and regulations by armed dealers.
Despite repeated warnings by the Inspector-General of Police to arm dealers to stop their illegal business, they still continue unabated.
Street hawkers openly deal in small arms and other dangerous implements such as knives, cutlasses and scissors in the full glare of the police.
The regulations on small arms and ammunition in this country were not passed yesterday. They have been in existence over the years, and certainly, it is not the man on the street who has to enforce them.
It is the duty and responsibility of the police to enforce the law, and if therefore, there has been violation by dealers leading to the proliferation of arms, then it simply means the law enforcers are not doing their work.
It is not surprising that cases of students brandishing arms and sharp implements on campuses and actually involved in robberies are on the increase?
We blame the National Censorship Board for looking on unconcerned while movies on crimes are shown on our national television and other television stations and also video cassettes on crimes are traded openly on the market and shops.
We feel that the police administration must go beyond mere expression of concern and issuance of warnings and ensure that arms and ammunition trade is rid of crooks and rogues.
We also call for the strengthening of security at the various ports of entry so that small arms and ammunition will not find their way into the country.
He said the proliferation of small arms posed a threat to the nation’s security and attributed the current spate of armed violence in some parts of the country to easy access to weapons.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the management of the New Times Corporation in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Amoa said about 80 to 90 per cent of small arms and light weapons are locally manufactured and this is a very serious issue.
He, therefore, called on the government to strictly adhere to regulations and framework of the United Nations and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the importation of small arms and light weapons into the country.
The Times cannot agree more with Mr Amoa’s observation because one of the priority areas in ensuring the safety of people is the control of arms and ammunition.
There is total laxity in observing the regulations on arms and ammunition dealers in the country. This situation has resulted in the proliferation of arms with some finding their way into unauthorized hands.
It is no secret that arms dealers in this country have over the years engaged in illegal trade of arms to the extent that not only criminals but people in privileged positions as well as those who can afford them, are in possession of small arms.
Some security officers allegedly steal small arms and ammunition from their organisations’ armories and either sell them to robbers or use them to harass innocent citizens.
The spate of armed robberies, murders and criminal activities in the country is certainly the product of this laxity in observing arms control and regulations by armed dealers.
Despite repeated warnings by the Inspector-General of Police to arm dealers to stop their illegal business, they still continue unabated.
Street hawkers openly deal in small arms and other dangerous implements such as knives, cutlasses and scissors in the full glare of the police.
The regulations on small arms and ammunition in this country were not passed yesterday. They have been in existence over the years, and certainly, it is not the man on the street who has to enforce them.
It is the duty and responsibility of the police to enforce the law, and if therefore, there has been violation by dealers leading to the proliferation of arms, then it simply means the law enforcers are not doing their work.
It is not surprising that cases of students brandishing arms and sharp implements on campuses and actually involved in robberies are on the increase?
We blame the National Censorship Board for looking on unconcerned while movies on crimes are shown on our national television and other television stations and also video cassettes on crimes are traded openly on the market and shops.
We feel that the police administration must go beyond mere expression of concern and issuance of warnings and ensure that arms and ammunition trade is rid of crooks and rogues.
We also call for the strengthening of security at the various ports of entry so that small arms and ammunition will not find their way into the country.
