WAANSA Ghana urges traditional authorities to partner govt to curb proliferation of small arms

The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms, Ghana (WAANSA Ghana), has called on chiefs and traditional authorities to work closely with the government to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons within their traditional areas.

In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday and signed by the President of WAANSA Ghana, Mr. Ken Kinney, the network said traditional leaders occupy positions of influence and moral authority at the grassroots, making them indispensable partners in efforts to curb the illegal circulation, possession and display of firearms in communities.

“If the government aims to stop the proliferation of small arms, chiefs must play a significant role. Communities can leverage their leadership, customs, and structures to enforce norms that reject the presence of arms in civilian spaces,” the statement said.

WAANSA Ghana noted that traditional authorities have the capacity to promote peaceful coexistence by using customary laws and community structures to discourage the presence and misuse of weapons.

The network, which comprises civil society organisations and media institutions working in the areas of peace, security and governance, includes the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development, the Orphans and Widows Association, Security Warehouse, West Africa Lead and the Nurture Nature Foundation.

Other members include the Development Institute (DI), Global Arms Control Advocates (GACA), the Centre for Rural Women in Peace, Security and Development, the Greater Accra Youth Network, BADEC, Nutifafa Foundation, Care-Love Charity Foundation, Youth for Peace and Security in Africa, the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, the West Africa Centre for Violent Extremism, the Association of Ghanaian Women and Child Welfare, the Blacksmith Association of Ghana, as well as traditional and religious leaders involved in Ghana's peace and security architecture.

WAANSA Ghana also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to deepen their collaboration with the network, expressing concern over the increasing display of firearms during festivals, funerals and other social and cultural events.

According to the network, such practices normalise the use of weapons, encourage criminal behaviour and create fear and insecurity, particularly among women, children and other vulnerable groups.

“Chiefs can help stop the display of small arms during festivals, funerals, and other occasions where individuals and gangsters publicly use arms,” the statement said. “By instituting and enforcing traditional bye-laws that prohibit the brandishing of weapons at public gatherings, traditional councils can send a clear signal that arms have no place in our cultural celebrations.”

WAANSA Ghana stressed that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a serious threat to national peace, security and development.

“The consequences are dire and dangerous,” the statement noted. “From armed robbery and communal conflicts to electoral violence and gender-based violence, the availability of illicit weapons undermines stability and reverses development gains.”

The network added that the continued spread of illegal firearms also threatens Ghana's international reputation, weakens cross-border security and undermines efforts to promote lasting peace across the sub-region.

WAANSA Ghana further urged Parliament and the Executive to expedite the passage of the National Small Arms Bill, arguing that the legislation would provide a stronger legal and regulatory framework for controlling the manufacture, importation, possession and use of small arms and light weapons.

“The passage of the bill will demonstrate and affirm the government's commitment to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country,” the statement said.

The network also called on civil society organisations, security agencies, the media and the general public to sustain advocacy and public education campaigns aimed at eliminating illicit firearms from Ghanaian communities.

WAANSA Ghana is the Ghana chapter of the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms, a sub-regional civil society network dedicated to promoting peace and human security through arms control advocacy, research and community engagement.