Destruction Of Illicit Weapons

The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms (GNACSA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) yesterday in Accra organised a destruction of illicit weapons exerise. The exercise is under the theme 'Combating the menace of small arms for non-violent elections.'

The Vice President, who graced the occasion, said 'the weapons destruction ceremony is to symbolise our commitment and determination not to use weapons to perpetuate violence and conflicts, especially in the up coming elections.'

Alhaji Aliu Mahama advised the youth to reject any influence of being used to cause violence before, during and after the elections.

The Minister of State at the Ministry of Interior and Chairman of GNACSA, Hon Nana Obiri Boahen, said the occasion is part of an awareness creation to shun the use of petty arms in this year's elections.

He said small arms can be dangerous and those who have them should hand them over to the Police. He called on Ghanaians to champion the fight against the use and proliferation of small arms in Ghana.

On his part the UNDP Resident Representative and Co-ordinator ,His Excellency Duada Tuoure commended Ghana for being well advance in the fight against small arms in the country.

Adding that, the UNDP and the Economic Community of West African States has been in close operation over the last five years and responded to the call to fight the proliferation of small arms in West Africa.

Mr Tuoure advised that it is important for the government of Ghana to stop the local producers of small arms and find a way to help them use their skills for profitable ventures.