Small Arms Commission, Ghana

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐈𝐂𝐂

As part of an official visit to Germany, a delegation from the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, led by Mr. Mohammed Gali Salam, Deputy Executive Secretary, paid a courtesy call on the BICC - Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies in Bonn, Germany on 7 May 2026.

The engagement provided an important platform for both institutions to strengthen longstanding cooperation and exchange perspectives on evolving security challenges linked to small arms and light weapons within Ghana and the West African region.

Discussions also focused on the value of sustained collaboration, research partnerships, and shared expertise in supporting regional peacebuilding, arms control and conflict prevention efforts.

The visit reaffirmed the strong relationship between NACSA and BICC and the shared commitment of both institutions toward advancing peace and security across the region.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐂𝐀𝐀 𝟒𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons joined key institutions within Ghana’s aviation and security sector at an exhibition organized as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority at the Air Navigation Services Building on 6 May 2026.

The engagement provided the Commission’s Airport Team with an opportunity to deepen public awareness on fi****ms regulations, responsible weapons management, and airport security procedures under its ongoing “Marching Out the Firearms” sensitisation initiative.

Interacting with students, aviation scholars, airport workers and invited guests, officers educated participants on the legal requirements for firearm acquisition, declaration procedures when travelling with weapons and the broader dangers associated with the misuse and unlawful handling of fi****ms.

Through public engagement sessions and the distribution of educational materials, the Commission reinforced the importance of compliance, vigilance and shared responsibility in safeguarding Ghana’s aviation environment from security threats linked to illicit arms.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐛 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has intensified sensitisation efforts within coastal and port communities as part of measures to prevent the illicit circulation and trafficking of arms.

Using the BECE graduation ceremony at the Sakumono TMA Basic School in Tema as a community engagement platform, officers of the Commission interacted with students, parents and traditional leaders on the dangers associated with illicit fi****ms possession and trafficking activities within coastal areas.

The engagement was led by Mr. Stephen Adjei, Head of Tema Office, who emphasised the importance of public vigilance and community cooperation in helping to detect and prevent suspicious activities linked to arms trafficking. Discussions also focused on youth vulnerability to criminal influence, responsible firearm acquisition and the role of communities in safeguarding peace and security within coastal areas.

The Commission continues to strengthen awareness creation in communities within the entry and exit corridors of the nation. This is part of broader national efforts to combat illicit arms proliferation and organized crime.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞-𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐨

Traditional leaders, youth representatives and residents of Asutuare-Volivo in the Shai Osudoku District joined the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons on 11 May 2026 for a community dialogue on illicit arms, violence prevention and public safety.

Speaking during the engagement, Ms. Rebecca Ahiamadzor and Mr. Emmanuel Ahwireng, Officers with the Programmes Directorate of the Commission, encouraged residents to remain vigilant, reject violence and support efforts to keep their community safe from the dangers associated with possessing illicit fi****ms. The discussions held in both English and Adangme focused on peaceful coexistence, responsible use of fi****ms during festivals and the role of citizens in reporting suspicious activities.

The Commission expresses appreciation to the chiefs, opinion leaders and residents of Asutuare-Volivo for their commitment to promoting a peaceful, safe and gun-violence-free community.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

Addressing the growing security risks associated with illicit arms proliferation requires stronger collaboration between security, intelligence and arms control agencies. It is within this context that the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons participated in the Basic Intelligence Course for Non-Commissioned Officers organised by the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp, Accra.

As part of the course, Rev. Carl Nii Anyetei Sowah, Acting Head of Communications, delivered a presentation on the implications of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on national security. The session highlighted the evolving nature of illicit fi****ms trafficking, its connection to armed violence and regional insecurity, and the importance of intelligence-led approaches in identifying and disrupting threats linked to illicit fi****ms circulation.

The Commission expresses appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces for the invitation and opportunity to contribute to the training, and looks forward to continued collaboration in strengthening national security and combating illicit fi****ms proliferation.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) continues to deepen awareness creation in communities along Ghana’s border through targeted engagements with religious institutions to prevent illicit arms trafficking and violent extremism.

As part of this effort, the NACSA Elubo Border Office recently held a sensitization session with worshippers at the Ankasa Central Mosque. Led by Mr. Jesse Acquah, Acting Head of the Elubo Border Office, the session focused on the growing security risks linked to the proliferation of illicit arms in border communities. Mr. Acquah emphasized the vital role that communities and faith-based institutions play in safeguarding peace, promoting vigilance, and preventing criminal networks from exploiting vulnerable border areas.

Key areas of discussion included:

* The dangers of illicit arms trafficking and the risks associated with illegal firearm possession

* How trafficking networks and violent actors exploit gaps in community vigilance

* The importance of early reporting of suspicious activities and movements to security agencies

* The role of citizens in protecting communities against violence, trafficking and radicalization.

The session also highlighted the value of trusted platforms such as mosques, churches and other religious institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship, and stronger cooperation with security agencies.

By working closely with community and religious leaders, NACSA aims to build resilient border communities that can resist violence and criminal exploitation and advance the goal of a gun-violence-free Ghana.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐨𝐣𝐨𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬

The Western Regional Office of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons led by Mr. Paul Akwasi Baami, the Acting Head, engaged over 100 congregants at the Kojokrom Central Mosque on 8 May 2026.

The sensitisation session was held to educate congregants on the security, social and moral consequences of illicit arms possession and trafficking within communities.

Addressing the congregation, Mr. Baami stressed that preventing the spread of illicit small arms requires collective responsibility and stronger community vigilance. He further stated that faith-based institutions, especially mosques, have a critical role to play in promoting peace, tolerance and non-violence."

Referencing Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32, congregants were reminded of the importance Islam places on the sanctity of human life, justice, and peaceful coexistence as they were urged to promote a gun-violence-free Ghana.

The Ashanti Regional Office of the Commission conducted a public education and sensitization exercise for staff of Absa Bank Ghana at its Kejetia Branch in Kumasi on 5th May 2025.

The engagement focused on the dangers associated with the possession and misuse of small arms, the legal implications of illicit firearm possession and the importance of adopting safe and lawful security measures. Participants were also encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

The interactive session provided staff the opportunity to ask questions on firearm regulation, tracing systems and the legality of personal protective devices. Management of the branch commended NACSA for the timely initiative and expressed interest in extending similar engagements to other branches within the Kumasi Metropolis.

Last month, NACSA’s Ashanti Regional Office engaged the Ashanti Regional Blacksmiths Association (ASHRAB) and executives of the Kintampo Blacksmiths Association as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with blacksmith associations across Ghana.

The engagement focused on promoting responsible practices within the blacksmithing trade to help prevent the illicit manufacture and circulation of small arms and related materials. Discussions also advanced plans toward establishing a strengthened and coordinated national network of blacksmith associations, which will contribute to improved regulation, professionalism, accountability and cooperation within the sector.
Key issues discussed included the proposed issuance of identification cards for registered blacksmiths to support formal recognition, improve traceability and reduce unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement agencies.

NACSA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with blacksmith associations and relevant stakeholders to promote responsible craftsmanship, enhance security cooperation, and support safer communities across Ghana.

In a decisive move to deepen awareness and strengthen local action against the proliferation of small arms, a high-level stakeholder engagement was held at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly in Somanya at the end of April.

The meeting brought together management staff of the Assembly, heads of departments and agencies, and over 90 Assembly Members from across the municipality. It provided a valuable platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding peace and security.

Mr. Mark Atua Ohene took participants through the growing risks linked to the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons, highlighting their impact on community safety, youth development, and local governance. He stressed the importance of early detection, reporting suspicious activities, and building a culture of vigilance at the community level.

Addressing the gathering, the Ag. Head of Programmes, Mr Jaleel Abdul Suleiman emphasised that tackling the menace of arms proliferation requires collective effort and close collaboration with various MMDCEs. He urged Assembly Members, as frontline representatives, to take an active role in sensitising their communities and supporting preventive measures.

Heads of departments and agencies also shared practical insights on strengthening inter-agency collaboration to improve enforcement, intelligence gathering, and public education. The discussions reinforced the need for sustained engagement and stronger partnerships between local and national stakeholders.

Assembly members welcomed the initiative and pledged their readiness to champion awareness campaigns within their electoral areas, noting the importance of such efforts in preserving the peace in the municipality.

The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to work together to curb the spread of small arms and promote a safer, more secure Yilo Krobo.