By Bawa Musah
The West Africa Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons (WAANSA) has called on the media to advocate for the swift passage of the Arms Bill in Ghana, stressing its importance in strengthening the regulation of small arms and light weapons.
Speaking at a media engagement in Accra, WAANSA Ghana’s President, Mr. Ken Kinney, highlighted that the country’s existing laws on arms control were outdated and ineffective in addressing modern threats. He emphasized that reforms were necessary to curb illegalities and ensure proper governance of small arms.
Mr. Kinney noted that conflicts in parts of Ghana and across West Africa were exacerbated by easy access to weapons and weak regulatory frameworks. He stressed that the media had a crucial role to play in pushing for the passage of the bill, which had stalled for years despite its significance to national security.
With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) project, WAANSA is working to enhance media capacity for advocacy on the legislation.
During the event, Mr. Johnson Asante-Twum outlined three major reasons why legal reforms were necessary. He pointed out that there was currently no restriction on the number of weapons a licensed individual could own, allowing people to amass private arsenals without violating any law.
Additionally, he highlighted the absence of legally approved training facilities for gun owners, warning that advancements in technology made it risky to license weapons without ensuring that owners were adequately trained.
He further questioned the relevance of relying on outdated regulations, stating, “How do we use a 1962 or 2007 law to fight 2025 crimes?” He underscored the urgency of enacting a forward-thinking framework that could adapt to technological advancements and evolving security threats.
Mr. Asante-Twum urged journalists to hold authorities accountable by demanding answers on the delay in passing the law, as it directly impacted public safety.
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