The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has rolled out a nationwide public education campaign dubbed “Silence the Gun, Save a Life.”
The campaign forms part of efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana.
The Commission is engaging students from selected Junior High Schools and tertiary institutions on the dangers of gun violence while promoting a culture of peace and security.
According to the Commission, young people are particularly vulnerable to the influence of violence, making them a critical focus group for awareness creation.
The programme is designed to educate students about the risks of gun violence and illegal possession of arms while raising awareness about the devastating impact of illicit weapons on communities.
It also seeks to foster zero tolerance for illegal firearm possession and trafficking.
Topics covered include the dangers of small arms proliferation, the risks of youth involvement in vigilantism, the consequences of illicit arms possession, and the need for non-violent conflict resolution.
A commission report revealed that the Ashanti Region currently records the highest levels of gun violence and proliferation in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, during an engagement with students in Kumasi, urged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious gun-related activities.
“I urge the public to remain alert within their communities and report any suspicious individuals who possess firearms for unlawful or criminal purposes. Even if you suspect a neighbour has a weapon, notify the Commission so we can verify whether it is licensed or not,” he stressed.
Dr. Bonaa further cautioned licensed gun owners to comply with the law.
“Having a license does not permit you to carry your gun everywhere or display it publicly. The law strictly prohibits such actions, and offenders could face prosecution,” he warned.
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The Commission emphasised that public cooperation is vital in the fight against illegal arms, noting that silence and indifference only fuel the cycle of violence.
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