Killings in Bawku, et al will end without firearms- Dr. Adam Bonaa advocates

The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), has emphasized that needless killings in Bawku and major communities and towns in Ghana will end without firearms in the hands of criminals and bandits.

According to him, the proliferation of arms and unregulated ammunition stockpiles pose serious threats, enabling crime, fueling conflict, and undermining peacebuilding efforts in Ghana and across the Globe.

The renowned security analyst added that Ghana will be a safer place and better than we have it now if weapons are taken away from Bawku and general chieftaincy disputes, land guardism and Galamsey properly checked.

Dr. Bonaa said these when he was addressing staff of NACSA in a two-day capacity-building programme on “Strengthening Capacities of National Institutions for Weapons and Ammunition Collection and Control,” in Kumasi on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

The objective of the training was to strengthen the collective efforts of the members to enhance weapons and ammunition control-an essential component of national security and stability.

Dr. Bonaa lamented that proliferation of small arms and light weapons is an emotional issue for the country but with support of the staff, government and other partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) it will be tackled head on.

“By equipping ourselves with the necessary technical skills and knowledge, we can better mitigate these risks and ensure that Ghana remains on the path toward sustainable peace and development,” he reiterated.

The Acting Executive Secretary of NACSA noted that poor handling of weapons and ammunition has led to unintended leakages, theft, or even accidental discharge, endangering lives and undermining national security efforts.

“Strengthening our control measures is, therefore, not just a regulatory necessity but a critical safeguard against these dangers.

“Secondary school children have been caught in recent years with fire arms, infants have gunned down parents and relations because of the availability of weapons in their homes. I can go on and on,” he continued.

Dr. Bonaa charged them to work hand- in-hand with other security agencies to control the influx of smuggled arms and engage communities to promote peace in the country.

“As regional and border officers, you serve as the Commission’s frontline representatives and ambassadors, working hand-in-hand with sister security agencies in addressing the influx of illicit arms as well as engaging communities and stakeholders, to promote peace and security. Your role in public advocacy, small arms and border control is pivotal to the Commission’s success,” he appealed to them.

Dr. Bonaa commended partners from Denmark, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea, the EU, ECOWAS, AU, the UNDP and many others, for their continued support and commitment to institutional capacity-building in this critical area, stating that their collaboration underscores the urgency of addressing weapons and ammunition management comprehensively, reinforcing regulatory measures, and improving inter-agency coordination.

He also acknowledged the invaluable work of his members in advancing the mandate of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons across the country.(soon to be called The arms commission of Ghana once the pending bill is passed into law by mid-year).

Dr. Bonaa extended his condolences to the family, friends and the entire Ghana armed forces for the death of the military officer who is suspected to have been shot and killed yesterday in Bawku without any provocation.