Proliferation Of Arms, Catalyst To Conflictin Northern Region

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is the major catalyst that has fuelled several conflicts and its attendant social problems in the Northern Region. The West Mamprusi District Chief Executive, Abdul- Kareem Amadu, made this observation in a speech read on his behalf during a route match sensitisation programme on the dangers of proliferation of illicit arms and light weapons at Walewale in the West Mamprusi district of the Northern region. It was organised by an NGO, Foundation For Security and Development in Africa, FOSDA, in collaboration with the Walewale District Assembly. Some 500 students from Junior, Second cycle and technical schools took part in the route match. They carried placards with the inscriptions, 'YOUTH, DROP YOUR GUNS AND GO TO SCHOOL', ILLEGAL WEAPONS KILLS, ACT NOW', 'POVERTY IS OUR ENEMY, LET FIGTH IT WITH PEACE' and 'CONFLICTS SCARE AWAY INVESTORS'. The District Chief Executive stressed that his outfit will leave no stone unturned in curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the district. He lamented over the colossal sum of money used by government in peace keeping as a result of conflicts in the region. He said the monies used could have been channelled into developmental projects to improve the living conditions of the people. Mr. Amadu impressed upon members of the communities to help volunteer information about people hoarding illegal weapons to the police. The regional programme co-ordinator of FOSDA, Abubakari Iddrisu, Saeed exhorted the communities to redirect the money they use in acquiring illicit weapons to educate their children. He said education is the best legacy they can leave for their children.