The Minister for the Inside, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has assured the Nationwide Fee on Small Arms and Gentle Weapons (NCSALW) of the federal government’s full assist in tackling the professionalliferation of illicit firearms within the nation.
He famous that the circulation of illicit small arms, fuels violence, will increase social unrest, and threatens the nation’s peace and growth.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak, who made the promise throughout his maiden go to to the Fee, in Accra, on Tuesday, mentioned he would help the NCSALW to allow it to play its essential function of guaranteeing nationwide safety.
He recommended the Commission for its steady efforts in small arms management, public advocacy, and sensitisation, saying the sector ministry was totally dedicated to backing its actions.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak mentioned the Nationwide Management Checklist and the proposed Arms Invoice could be reviewed and endorsed by the Ministry earlier than submission to Cupboard for approval.
He additionally introduced plans to approve the destruction of all recognized illicit arms at the moment within the custody of safety businesses and related establishments, to cut back the variety of unlawful weapons in circulation. The minister additional disclosed that discussions could be held with the Fee to consider granting amnesty for individuals who would voluntarily give up illicit arms.
He defined that this initiative would permit individuals to show in unlawful weapons with out concern of arrest or prosecution, and all surrendered arms could be destroyed publicly to advertise transparency and accountability.
To strengthen border operations and forestall the trafficking of illicit arms, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak pledged to help the Fee in buying scanners for Ghana’s entry and exit factors.
He confused the necessity for a multi-sectoral strategy in tackling arms proliferation, and urged the Fee to proceed collaborating with safety businesses, civil society organisations, and worldwide companions, to develop sustainable methods in addressing the rising risk of illicit arms.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak mentioned that nationwide safety remained a high precedence beneath the government of President John Dramani Mahama.
The minister expressed his eagerness to work intently with the Fee to make the counstrive safer, free from gun-related violence.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak assured the Fee of his continued engagement and collaboration, to strengthen small arms management measures.
The Appearing Government Secretary of the Fee, Dr Adam Bonaa, famous that the minister’s go to, was well timed and vital.
The Fee exists to prevent and fight the proliferation of Small Arms and Gentle Weapons and associated supplies within the nation by advocacy, public sensitisation, and formulation of appropriate insurance policies in shut collaboration with stakeholders.
Dr Bonaa acknowledged that the go to reassured the Fee that their considerations and obligations had been being taken critically on the highest ranges.
He additional emphasised that the Fee was desirous to work with the Minister to push for the approval of the proposed Arms Invoice, which might rework the Fee right into a regulatory authority.
He defined that after handed, the brand new legislation would considerably improve the Fee’s potential to manage small arms and light-weight weapons within the nation.
Based on Dr Bonaa, Ghana has lengthy been considered an oasis of peace within the area, and it’s essential to place stronger measures in place to take care of that popularity.
He additionally highlighted the necessity to strengthen regional workplaces to enhance arms management operations throughout the nation.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
