Effects Of Illegal Weapons In Ghana (a Case Study Of Accra Metropolis)

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Ghana became the first African country to gain independence in 1957, becoming a republic in 1960. Since the first post-colonial government of the Convention People's Party, Ghana's political economy has witnessed several traumatic transformations and transitions, in which SALW (Small Arms and Light Weapons) have featured in various respects and to various degrees. The first military coup of 24 February 1966 marked the beginning of a turbulent political history. The political see-saw between military and civil rule ended in 1992 with the adoption of a democratic constitution, allowing for multiparty politics. With a population of over 20 million, Ghana is the second (after Nigeria) most populated country in West Africa.

Ghana has enjoyed relative peace and largely escaped civil strife in comparison to most of its regional counterparts, but the country has witnessed a marked increase in firearms-related violence in the last five years. The intensification of SALW-related violence is located within the context of a militarized national psyche, combined with socio-economic deprivation and decline. Moreover, Ghana's relative tranquility exists in the midst of a restless sub-region with several states either in conflict or in transition from conflict. Ghana's immediate neighbours, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, are characterized by

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