Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called for stronger political leadership and holistic management of weapons and ammunition to prevent the escalation of violent conflicts and extremism across the Gulf of Guinea and the broader West and Central African region.
Delivering the keynote address at the Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, the Deputy Minister emphasised the devastating impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.
“These illicit flows fuel armed violence, crime, insurgency, and insecurity, undermining governance, development, and community stability,” he added.
Hon. Terlabi described the country as affected by neighbourhood violence and misuse of arms, making such dialogues vital for peer learning and conflict prevention. He revealed that Ghana is addressing legislative gaps in arms control and recently concluded a nationwide Gun Amnesty Programme, aimed at encouraging voluntary surrender of unlicensed firearms without prosecution.
The African Union High Representative on Silencing the Guns, Dr Ibn Chambas, commended improved coordination, lauded arms programmes and disarmament efforts, stressed practical enforcement, and recommended engaging communities, religious leaders, and community liaisons as agents of change. He advocated for non-extremist approaches, prison reforms, ongoing dialogue, and the development of actionable plans to improve arms management.
Also present at the opening session were the Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal David Akrong, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, H.E. Niloy Banerjee.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
