By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Oct. 17, GNA – The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has called for collaboration from stakeholders to support its “Silence the Gun to Save a Life” campaign.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, aims to educate the public on the dangers and misuse of small arms and weapons.
The campaign also seeks to establish a “zero tolerance policy” towards the possession and use of illicit small firearms that pose security threats.
NACSA has begun engaging key institutions as it rolls out the campaign in the coming months and beyond.
At the launch in Accra, Mr Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasised the social and economic consequences of arms diversion, stating that access to illicit weapons “breeds impunity and violence.”
He pointed out that the proliferation of arms has contributed to terrorism and crime, leading to “needless deaths and injuries,” among other detrimental effects.
Quoting UN statistics, he noted that there are approximately 875 million small arms and light weapons in circulation worldwide, attributing the spread of illicit weapons in part to porous borders.
“These porous borders also facilitate trans-border networks that engage in illegal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking.
“The armed networks and groups operating outside the state’s control undermine good governance, challenge the rule of law and spread insecurity among the public,” he stated.
Mr. Banerjee reiterated the UNDP’s continued support for governments in tackling the challenges posed by the spread of small arms and light weapons.
He endorsed the “Silence the Gun to Save a Life” campaign and encouraged other stakeholders to back the initiative.
Mr Samuel Williams Yeboah, Executive Secretary of NACSA, also highlighted the dangers associated with illicit small arms and called for urgent action to address the issue.
He described the campaign as a “transformational effort” aimed at addressing the root causes of violence through awareness creation and community engagement.
“Let us all commit to doing our utmost to combat the proliferation of small arms to build a safer and secure Ghana and prevent the senseless violence that can be [inflicted] on other people,” he said.
Mr Yeboah and Mr Banerjee both urged the public not to engage in acts of violence in the December general elections.
GNA