Commission on Small Arms needs power to seize weapons – Ga Mantse

Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, has called for the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) to be granted the power to seize unauthorized weapons in communities.

The plea followed concerns by the NACSA over the proliferation and use of unauthorised weapons in the country, especially the Greater Accra Region.

The Ga Mantse described the situation as worrying and said aside from being given the power to seize weapons, the Commission should also be resourced.

He said the recurrent incidents of gun violence in the country, particularly in the capital, called for the need for stakeholders, especially chiefs, to collectively support the Commission to address such challenges.

The Board Chairman said the illicit spread and misuse of small arms had far consequences contributing to protracted and deadly conflicts, crimes, the erosion of peace and security, and threatening existence.

Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, said her outfit would partner with the Commission to address the challenges associated with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, to create an environment where development could thrive.

“The issue of proliferation of small arms and light weapons is not for Ghana alone so, we have been working with other countries in the region to make sure that they have strategies that cut across borders, and partnerships between agencies and institutions in different countries” she said.