By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, June 13, GNA – The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons in partnership with the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, has sensitised students of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) on the risks and consequences associated with the illegal possession of small arms.
The engagement formed part of efforts by the Commission to fulfil its mandate of preventing and combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.
It also came in the wake of recent incidents involving the retrieval of locally manufactured firearms from students in two senior high schools in the Ashanti Region, including OKESS.
Officials from both institutions educated the students on the legal, social, and security implications of possessing arms without authorisation.
They emphasized the need for students to remain focused on their education and refrain from engaging in violent or criminal activities.
Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Ashanti Regional Head of the Small Arms Commission, spoke about the legal consequences of unauthorised gun possession and warned that firearms in the hands of young people could lead to unintended tragedies.
He said just one gun in the wrong hands within a school environment could cause irreversible harm.
Mr. Oduro urged students to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or knowledge of weapons on campus to the appropriate authorities.
“If we remain silent about the illegal movement of weapons, we risk becoming victims ourselves. Reporting such activities is a civic responsibility,” he added.
Reverend Emmanuel Badu Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, described the illicit possession of arms as a threat to national peace and security.
He stressed the importance of proactive education in preventing arms proliferation, particularly among the youth.
“Arms have become alarmingly accessible in some communities, and even children are gaining access,” he noted, adding that it is a dangerous trend that must be urgently addressed.
He expressed concern about the presence of firearms in senior high schools, pointing out that individuals under the age of 18 were legally prohibited from owning or using guns.
Rev. Amoah advocated for the use of dialogue and non-violent means in resolving conflicts, warning that firearms only escalate violence and endanger lives.
The session also covered Ghana’s legal framework on vigilantism and related offences, aiming to deter students from engaging in riots or violent acts.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim and Lydia Kukua Asamoah