Accra, July 11, GNA – The Government has called for sustained collaboration to tackle the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Ghana.
Mr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, said the destruction of illegal firearms was a critical step towards preserving Ghana’s peace, security and national development.
He made the call at the 8th National Small Arms Destruction Ceremony held at the Police Depot, Tesano, Accra, where he said the exercise demonstrated Government’s commitment to ensuring that illicit firearms had no place in Ghanaian communities.
The ceremony was held to commemorate the United Nations International Small Arms Destruction Day, the Ministry of the Interior said in a Facebook post.
Mr Debrah commended Ghanaians for their response to the Gun Amnesty Programme, which resulted in the surrender of over four thousand firearms.
He urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the security agencies by reporting the illicit possession and trafficking of firearms.
Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening national security and preventing the proliferation of illicit firearms to sustain Ghana’s peace and stability.
He said every firearm destroyed represented one less weapon available to criminals, armed robbers, violent extremists, political vigilantes and other individuals who threatened the peace and safety of communities.
The Minister noted that although Ghana remained one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across the sub-region continued to fuel armed conflict, organised crime, violent extremism and cross-border criminal activities.
He urged citizens, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to support efforts to eliminate illicit firearms through vigilance, public education and the promotion of a culture of peace.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Joyce Danso
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