WAANSA Ghana, IANSA call for nationwide ban on public display of firearms

The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA Ghana) and the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) have called for an immediate nationwide ban on the public display of firearms, warning that the growing practice is normalizing violence and undermining Ghana's long-standing reputation as a peaceful nation.

The appeal was made during a national stakeholder forum in Accra organized by WAANSA Ghana to address the increasing incidence of firearms being openly displayed at political events, funerals, festivals, markets, and other public gatherings.

According to the organizations, the public display of firearms has gone beyond legitimate security purposes and is increasingly being used to project power, influence, and intimidation. They cautioned that if the trend is not addressed, it could entrench a dangerous gun culture in Ghanaian society.

"When firearms become accessories in our markets, on our streets, and at our social events, we teach the next generation that authority is measured by a weapon. That is not the Ghana we are building. WAANSA Ghana is therefore calling for an immediate stop to the public display of arms," Mr. Johnson Asante-Twum, Managing Director of IANSA, and Mr. Francis Ameyibor, WAANSA Ghana Project Coordinator and Administrator, said in a joint statement.

The organizations stressed that Ghana's standing as one of West Africa's most stable democracies has been built on trust between citizens, communities, and security institutions. They noted that the open display and discharge of firearms without authorization contravene Section 7 of the Arms and Ammunition Decree, 1972 (NRCD 9), which prohibits such acts unless permission has been granted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

WAANSA Ghana further referenced findings from a 2025 media perception survey conducted in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale under the SALIENT Fund project. According to the survey, a majority of respondents said they felt uncomfortable seeing firearms in public places such as markets, lorry parks, funerals, festivals, and other community events. Many indicated that the visible presence of weapons discouraged them from attending large public gatherings.

The organizations also expressed concern over the role of social media in promoting the practice. They observed that videos showing armed escorts and celebratory gunfire are frequently shared online, often without context, creating the false impression that carrying firearms openly is socially acceptable.

"Perception matters for security. When citizens cannot tell the difference between a lawful operator and an unlawful one because everyone is visibly armed, it makes community policing harder and makes the public feel less safe," the statement said.

To address the growing concern, WAANSA Ghana and IANSA proposed a comprehensive approach centred on prevention, education, and enforcement.

They called on the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Police Service to develop and enforce clear operational guidelines to ensure that violations of the law are dealt with consistently and without exception.

The organizations also pledged to embark on a nationwide public education campaign through schools, traditional authorities, and both traditional and digital media platforms to promote peaceful conflict resolution and reinforce respect for the rule of law instead of displays of force.

In addition, WAANSA Ghana and IANSA urged political parties, private security companies, traditional leaders, and event organizers to adopt and enforce internal regulations prohibiting the public display of firearms at all public events. They reminded the public that violations of Section 7 of NRCD 9 could attract severe penalties, including imprisonment.

"Progress means fewer reasons for citizens to fear each other in public. Stopping the public display of arms is a step toward protecting that progress," the organizations stated.

WAANSA Ghana and IANSA said the campaign supports Ghana's commitments under ECOWAS and United Nations protocols on small arms control. They emphasized that Ghana has historically played a leading role in promoting peace and disarmament across West Africa and should demonstrate the same commitment within its borders.

"Ghana's strength has always been in its institutions and its people, not in the visibility of weapons. Public spaces must remain places of dialogue, commerce, and community, not spaces of intimidation," the statement noted.

The organizations concluded by reaffirming their commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence.

"WAANSA Ghana and IANSA believe that disarming the public square restores dignity and confidence. Our goal is a Ghana where differences are settled with words, with law, and with community, not with a weapon on display," they said.