The Acting Director of Policy, Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPRME) at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Mr Gyebi Asante, has stated that the destruction of more than 2,000 surrendered and seized firearms was the only viable option following the completion of the government’s gun amnesty programme.
According to Mr Gyebi Asante, the destroyed guns and ammunition were unfit for use by security personnel, which is why they were not handed over to the state’s security services.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he explained that the majority of the destroyed items were weapons that the courts had expressly ordered to be disposed of.
He noted, however, that firearms meant to be returned to their lawful owners would be handed back once the necessary licensing processes are completed.
Mr Gyebi Asante indicated that the confiscated stock comprised a variety of weapons, including pump-action shotguns, single-barrel and double-barrel guns, pistols, and locally manufactured firearms.
He clarified that many of these guns had been recovered by the police after being used in criminal activities, rendering them inappropriate for official security operations.
Justifying the exercise, he said: “The reason we could not have handed over the guns to any of the security services for use is because they are not fit for purpose. Secondly, several of these guns had been used in committing high crimes or, in some cases, used in committing murder. They are therefore tainted with human blood. You cannot hand over such guns to our security services. It would be a dangerous thing to do and impossible to do. We had to therefore destroy the over 2,000 guns. Guns that could have killed people, or been used in committing crimes, have all been destroyed.”
He added that “the guns destroyed contained those received through the amnesty initiative and other sources. The destroyed guns would be handed over to manufacturers to be used for the production of iron rods and other metallic objects.”
The exercise, he noted, is part of ongoing national efforts to curb the circulation of illegal weapons in the country.
He further mentioned that July 9 marks the UN International Day for the Remembrance of the Victims of the Arms Trade—an annual occasion that draws global attention to the harms caused by small arms and light weapons, while supporting initiatives to rid communities of dangerous weapons and ammunition.
Highlighting the importance of the exercise, Mr Gyebi Asante emphasised how Ghana stands to benefit significantly from removing these lethal weapons from circulation.
Regarding individuals who voluntarily surrendered their arms during the amnesty window, he assured that NACSA will cross-check all submissions and return firearms to any individuals who legally qualify to possess them.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana