Mr. Gyabi Asante, the Acting Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), has urged Ghanaians to collaborate with his team to eliminate the unauthorised use of weapons in public spaces.
He emphasised that every citizen shares the responsibility of providing actionable information to security agencies, which is vital for fostering a safer and more secure environment for everyone. Mr. Asante encouraged the public to feel empowered to report any suspicious or unlawful activities they encounter in public settings.
These remarks come in response to a joint initiative by the NACSA and the Ministry of the Interior, which have issued stern warnings and temporary bans on the use of firearms—including live ammunition—at funeral services and traditional ceremonies.
A nationwide prohibition is currently in effect regarding the firing of guns during celebratory events. Furthermore, the police have explicitly warned that no live ammunition is permitted within the inner perimeters of high-profile funerals.
Authorities have also strictly prohibited the use of locally manufactured or illegal weapons at these gatherings.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Asante expressed concern over the increasing frequency with which individuals flout the law by discharging firearms at public events. He clarified that it is illegal to display or use even a registered firearm in such contexts.
“Public display of guns is illegal and, when caught, you will be prosecuted and liable to a prison sentence of up to ten years. We, therefore, admonish Ghanaians to provide information to authorities so that people who flout the laws will be arrested and prosecuted. We understand that the firing of guns during festivals and other events is part of our culture, but we have professionally trained persons who do that, and the ammunition used is not lethal. However, in recent times, we have witnessed the use of lethal weapons during these events. These are illegal activities, and we are using this opportunity to admonish Ghanaians to support us in arresting such individuals.”
Mr. Asante noted that several individuals who engaged in such activities are currently serving prison sentences with hard labour.
He also appealed directly to traditional leaders to take a stand against these incidents, noting that they play a crucial role in maintaining order.
He stressed that enforcing the law is a collective effort and does not rest solely on the shoulders of the Police and the Commission.
He advised that any person wishing to discharge firearms during a public event must first apply for and receive formal approval from the Police.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
