Accra: Dr Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has urged students to report colleagues who possess guns or weapons in school. He stated that this measure would help protect lives and foster a safe, violence-free learning environment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Issahaque made the call at the launch of the 'Sav Schools Outreach Programme' at O'Reilly Senior High School in Accra. This initiative is led by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana in partnership with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCSALW). The programme aims to raise awareness about the dangers of violence and small arms proliferation, while empowering students to serve as peace ambassadors in their schools and communities.
Dr Issahaque emphasized the importance of educating students about the risks associated with small arms, enabling them to share this message with peers, families, and communities. He highlighted the need for partnerships between schools, law enforcement, and civil society to address the issue, and advocated for the creation of safe spaces for dialogue.
Dr Edward Ampratwum, UNDP Ghana's Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance, supported a multi-stakeholder approach to curb violence, which includes swift legislative reforms on arms control and increased support for the Commission. He encouraged teachers, parents, civil society, and faith-based organisations to promote non-violence in schools, enforce codes of conduct, and mentor at-risk youth.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Coordinator for the West Africa Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons Ghana, called for the swift passage of the new Firearms Regulation Bill to address rising weapon misuse. He urged students to speak out against violence and bullying, support affected peers, and promote conflict resolution and non-violent communication.
The event also saw the inauguration of the Students Against Violence Club at O'Reilly Senior High School. The club aims to lead awareness campaigns, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and serve as a peer advocacy platform for responsible behaviour.
