Ms. Afi Yakubu
The National Commission On Small Arms & Light Weapons (NACSA), under its Board Chairman, Rev Prof Paul Frimpong-Manso, and new head Ms. Afi Yakubu, has embarked on a timely education programme about the dangers of illegal ownership of firearms by non-state actors.
It is the first major project since she assumed the headship of the commission, action which for us, is welcome and refreshing, coming as it were at a time when the West African Sub-Region is swarming with terrorists and bandits.
The cost of the illegal ownership of small arms by such non-state actors is enormous. Until recently, when the law enforcement department of state overwhelmed armed robbers, these hooligans were able to wreak havoc on unsuspecting law abiding citizens in the comfort of their homes. So brazen were some of the attacks that even police officers lost their lives as victims.
The northern regions of the country are close to the terrorists infested Sahelian zones of West Africa where currently, security agents are on alert for such possible incursions of the bandits.
This is the part of the country which should have a zero tolerance for illegal ownership of weapons.
The recent surge in armed robbery attacks and subsequent fatalities in Yendi, which previously did not experience such criminalities, is worrying.
It is an indication that all is not well about the security situation in Yendi. Recently, the Dagbon King, Ya Na Abukari Mahama II, encouraged a volunteer patrol of the town to thwart the efforts of the criminals.
While we endorse such patrols, we wish to add that it should be done under the auspices of the Police.
The King did not stop at this. He has directed that henceforth, traditional functions or festivals should be devoid of the display of firearms and their firing.
The King has blazed a trail which we think his colleagues in other parts of the country should emulate.
Security issues being shared tasks between the state actors and their civilian compatriots should witness the participation of traditional authorities.
We see the Dagbon King’s interest in the security of his subjects, as he clearly suggested during an engagement of the Dagbon Traditional Authority in Tamale when he banned such weapons.
In the fire or bugum festivals, some persons are known to have touted firearms in breach of the law because, such weapons are not even registered by their owners.
The source of their ownership of such firearms can sometimes lead to trans-border gun running.
In our eagerness to boost tourism in the country, festivals of which there are many in the North, the traditional authorities and the law enforcement authorities should ensure that these activities are devoid of uncontrolled use of firearms.
The Dagbon King has spoken and so we expect that his subordinate chiefs will take up the fight against illegal ownership of weapons.
This and the Small Arms Commission campaign should be supported by all Ghanaians as a response to the illegal proliferation of small arms.
“The Misuse of Small Arms and light weapons is a danger to our peace and security. Join Us In Saying ‘No’ to illicit arms in Ghana” is the refrain of the NACSA pushing the project. This must be supported by all.