By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Feb. 18, GNA – Ghana has signaled a major commitment to joining the international “League of Nations” by endorsing the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA).
This follows a high-level National Consultation meeting held in Accra.
The session, organised by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) in partnership with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) and international partners, served as a vital precursor to a major Africa Regional Workshop on EWIPA scheduled for April 2026.
Addressing the Media, Dr. Adam Bonaa, Executive Secretary, National Small Arms Commission, highlighted the devastating impact of explosives in civilian areas.
He cited the tragic incidents in Apeatse and Konongo as critical wake-up calls.
He noted that while terrorists were a known threat, the mishandling of explosives by supposedly “guru boys” in mining and other sectors also posed a lethal risk to the general public.
Dr. Bonaa emphasised that although Ghana had existing policy frameworks, the formal endorsement of the EWIPA declaration would provide a more robust international mechanism to prevent the loss of life and property.
He remarked a state which cannot protect its civilian population was not worth dying for, adding that Ghana was proving its commitment to this protection by hosting such consultative meetings.
Mr. Jürgen Heissel, the Austrian Ambassador to Ghana, who participated in the workshop, praised Ghana’s proactive stance.
He noted that the use of explosive weapons in populated areas did not only cause immediate carnage but also stalled national development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
Ambassador Heissel said Austria was pleased to have Ghana as a partner to push this agenda forward, as it was not a task any single country could undertake alone.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would bring Ghana much closer to endorsing the declaration and become one of the leading voices in Africa to on the issue.
GNA
18 Feb. 2026
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong