Accra: The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Ghana) has extended its congratulations to President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on their electoral victory and leadership roles in Ghana. The organization emphasized the significance of this milestone in the country’s democratic journey, as stated by Mr. Ken Kinney, WAANSA-Ghana, in a statement from Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, WAANSA Ghana has also highlighted the pressing security challenges facing Ghana and the broader West African region. These challenges include the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which have intensified internal conflicts and insecurity. Additionally, longstanding disputes over chieftaincy titles and land ownership have occasionally escalated into violence.
In response to these issues, WAANSA Ghana has called on President Mahama and key government officials, including the national security architecture, Parliament, and the chief justice, to prioritize the approval of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation Cabinet Memo and the passage of the National Arms Commission Bill, 2023. The treaty aims to establish common international standards for regulating the trade in conventional arms, prevent illicit trade, and contribute to regional peace and security.
The National Arms Commission Bill, 2023, seeks to regulate arms and ammunition, control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and enhance safety and security in Ghana. WAANSA Ghana underscored that the bill is crucial for addressing the root causes of insecurity and promoting public safety. The organization believes that its passage would enhance Ghana’s global reputation and demonstrate a commitment to peace and stability.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kinney emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to promote peace and security in Ghana and the West African sub-region. He expressed WAANSA Ghana’s willingness to work with the government and partners to ensure a safer and more secure country.
Ghana is among the beneficiaries of the SALIENT Trust Fund, led by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crimes. As a signatory to the Economic Community of West African States Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ghana is committed to establishing effective regulatory mechanisms for small arms.
The SALIENT project, implemented by WAANSA Ghana, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, aims to address armed violence and illicit arms trafficking. The project’s comprehensive approach seeks to advance the passage of the National Arms Commission Bill, providing tools to regulate the trade and possession of small arms and light weapons.
WAANSA Ghana collaborates with several civil society organizations, including the West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development, the Care-Love Charity Foundation, and the Youth for Peace and Security in Africa, among others. These partnerships aim to foster cohesive and effective approaches to security and safety in the region.