As part of the nationwide public education campaign to highlight the dangers of small arms proliferation, change societal attitudes, and build zero tolerance towards illegal small arms possession and trafficking, dubbed Silence the Gun, Save a Life campaign, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons embarked on a two-day community engagement in Aflao.
Known for its vibrant trade and proximity to Togo, Aflao has become a preferred hub for small arms trafficking, which undermines peace and stability in the ECOWAS region.
This illicit trade and trafficking of small arms and ammunition along the Aflao border pose a significant threat to sustainable development, peace, and security, as the widespread availability of these weapons exacerbates conflicts and fuels criminal activities, such as armed robberies, hijackings, kidnapping, illegal mining, poaching, and other criminal activities.
The campaign's core message-calling on communities to unite against gun violence-was communicated through a variety of methods, including key stakeholder engagements, community meetings, and extensive media outreach.