The Acting Head of Communications at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Carl Sowah, has strongly condemned the recent shooting and killing of innocent people in the Nkwanta South Municipality, describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.

Speaking on Ho FM’s Adanu Morning Show with Togbe Ahorgo I, Mr Sowah stressed that Ghana is known to be a peace-loving nation where conflicts should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence. He expressed deep concern over the recurring clashes in the area, noting that the use of firearms in such disputes only worsens tensions and leads to needless loss of lives.

He stated that individuals involved in such violent acts are often in possession of illicit firearms, emphasising that legally registered weapons are rarely used for unlawful purposes. According to him, the strict procedures and conditions governing licensed firearms discourage their misuse in conflicts or criminal activities.

Mr Sowah said the recently concluded gun amnesty initiative is part of efforts to reduce the proliferation of illegal arms across the country. He noted that extensive public education and sensitization campaigns were carried out nationwide to encourage voluntary surrender and regularization of firearms.

He clarified that all police districts across the country were designated as Gun amnesty collection centers. These centers provided individuals with the opportunity to either surrender their weapons or declare their intention to legalize their ownership through the appropriate processes.

He further revealed that the Commission reported significant success with the exercise, as over 4,000 firearms were either voluntarily surrendered or declared for regularization. Mr Sowah described this outcome as a major step in the ongoing fight against the circulation of illicit weapons.

Despite this progress, he warned that the amnesty was only one phase of a broader national strategy. He indicated that further operations and enforcement measures would be undertaken to consolidate gains made and ensure stricter control of illegal arms.

Mr Sowah urged those still in possession of unauthorized firearms to comply with the law, warning that failure to do so could lead to firm action by the authorities. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and preventing further violence in communities such as Nkwanta.