Nana Kofi Acquah, Ho, Ghana
The Ghanaian security services have destroyed 446 small guns including cap, short and long barrel guns many of which were clandestinely manufactured locally. Organised by the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms, with the support of UNDP and DFID-UK, the event took place on 26 July, a day commemorated as the UN Weapons Destruction Day.
Although Ghana herself has not known any major civil war, it actually is an oasis of peace. The borders of Ghana has also been used to smuggle arms to other war torn African countries.
Lieutenant Frank Kusi-Darko of the 66th Artillery Regiment Ho who commandeered the destruction exercise, said the guns were seized in joint military/police exercises at conflict zones, busted armed robberies and swoops.
Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Deputy Minister of the Interior who torched the pile of guns mounted at the Police Depot and Training School in Ho, said it was hoped that the legislation on small arms which also set up the National Commission on Small Arms would curb the desire to possess illicit guns and document those in use.
Daouda Toure, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative in a statement read on his behalf, said Ghana joining in the worldwide observance of the day mirrored the country as a peace loving one and ready to work to stop the proliferation of small arms.
Sarah MacGregor, a Representative of DFID, said the project to curb the proliferation would help reduce conflicts.”
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