WAANSA Ghana supports Interior Minister's efforts to tackle increasing possession of guns by citizens

The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA Ghana) on Monday expressed support for the efforts of the Minister of the Interior, Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, in addressing the increasing possession of firearms by citizens.

In a statement signed by its president, Mr. Ken Kinney, WAANSA Ghana emphasized the urgent need for the government to accelerate the passage of the National Small Arms Bill 2023 to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. The organization urged the Interior Minister to expedite the review and submission of the bill to the Cabinet to address gaps in firearm acquisition regulations. WAANSA Ghana pledged its full support to the minister and the government in ensuring the successful passage of the legislation.

To address the illicit trafficking of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition in Ghana and the ECOWAS sub-region, the government has begun implementing targeted interventions under the SALIENT Project. This initiative responds to the growing security challenges in the Sahel and neighboring regions. The Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund is a United Nations funding facility within the Peacebuilding Fund, dedicated to supporting states in tackling armed violence and the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The project takes a holistic approach by addressing both the root causes of armed violence and the complexities of illicit arms trafficking.

In Ghana, the project is led by the UN Resident Coordinator and implemented in collaboration with UNDP, UNODC, the National Commission for Small Arms, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and WAANSA Ghana. WAANSA Ghana has been entrusted with a key advocacy role under the SALIENT Fund Project, leading efforts to push for urgent legal reforms in Ghana’s firearms laws.

Minister of the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka, recently raised concerns about the rising number of firearms in circulation and called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s gun control system. Speaking at separate meetings with Muslim and Christian leaders, the minister highlighted flaws in the current firearm licensing process, which lacks proper oversight. The engagements were part of efforts to brief religious leaders on national security challenges and seek their support for proposed reforms.

The minister stated that there are too many guns in private hands, and that every firearm, whether owned by an individual or an organization, must be approved by the Ministry of Interior. However, he pointed out that the current system allows individuals to obtain firearm licenses simply by submitting letters, which are often signed without thorough background checks. He added that firearm registration is still done manually, making it difficult for authorities to track the number of licensed guns in the country. The situation, he noted, is further exacerbated by conflicts in the Sahel region, which have led to an influx of illegal firearms into Ghana.

According to him, the lack of a robust tracking system poses a serious security risk. Due to the instability in the Sahel region, illegal weapons continue to enter Ghana, worsening an already fragile situation. Despite these security concerns, Ghana currently has only one Weapons Detection System (WDS), which was donated by the German government. The minister emphasized the need for a computerized gun registration system, stating that individuals should undergo proper background checks before being issued firearm licenses. He explained that a Personality Note Form would ensure that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) conducts thorough background checks before approving firearm ownership.

Additionally, he proposed a security clearance system that would link individuals’ fingerprints to their Ghana Card, enabling authorities to easily identify gun owners. He also announced plans to implement modern Weapons Detection Systems (WDS) to monitor firearm movements across the country. Acknowledging the potential resistance to these reforms, the minister called on religious leaders to use their platforms to support the initiative. He stressed that while change may face opposition, it is necessary to ensure that authorities can properly account for the number of guns legally in circulation.

WAANSA Ghana continues to work closely with several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to security and development. These organizations include media networks, anti-corruption groups, security development institutions, and grassroots advocacy groups focused on peacebuilding and arms control. Their collective efforts aim to strengthen national security, promote responsible gun ownership, and advocate for stringent regulations to prevent illicit arms trafficking.

As Ghana intensifies its efforts to combat the proliferation of small arms, WAANSA Ghana and its partners remain committed to advocating for stronger policies and effective security measures.