Ghana faces security crisis as illegal weapons flood streets – Experts warn

=Stakeholders are calling for tighter regulations on the importation and ownership of arms to address the increasing incidents of violent crime in Ghana.

Officials warn that unchecked access to small arms and explosives poses a major threat to national security, with recent attacks on mobile money vendors and market traders likely to worsen if swift measures are not taken.

Ken Kinney, President of WAANSA Ghana, emphasized the need for stricter arms control, stating that weak regulations have made firearms easily accessible. He also highlighted the role of illegal arms in activities such as armed robbery and galamsey-related violence.

During a workshop in Kumasi, facilitators urged the government to fast-track the passage of the National Small Arms Bill 2023, stressing that the delay in enacting the law leaves Ghana vulnerable to escalating security risks.

The event, organized by WAANSA in partnership with the UNDP SALIENT Fund Project, aimed to train journalists on effective reporting of arms-related issues.