Paragraph 1: Commending Presidential Appointments for National Security
The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA Ghana) lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his astute appointments to key national security positions. The organization emphasized that the selection of seasoned professionals, including former Chief of Staff Prosper Douglas Bani as National Security Advisor, ACP Abdul-Osman Razak as National Security Coordinator, COP (rtd) Nathan Kofi Boakye as Director of Operations at the Presidency, and Charles Kipo as Director General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s security apparatus. WAANSA Ghana expressed confidence in the appointees’ combined experience and expertise in security and governance, anticipating effective coordination and implementation of national security policies.
Paragraph 2: Highlighting the Appointees’ Strengths and Potential Contributions
WAANSA Ghana specifically highlighted the individual strengths of each appointee. Mr. Bani’s experience in coordinating national security policies was deemed invaluable for his new role. ACP Razak’s background was expected to ensure cohesive and effective implementation of security strategies across various sectors. COP Boakye’s operational expertise was anticipated to enhance the efficiency of security operations emanating from the Office of the President. Finally, Mr. Kipo’s extensive experience in security services was viewed as crucial for intelligence gathering and analysis, which would inform national security decisions.
Paragraph 3: Addressing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Beyond commending the appointments, WAANSA Ghana urged the newly appointed national security team to prioritize the pressing issue of small arms and light weapons proliferation, both within Ghana and the broader ECOWAS sub-region. The organization underscored the link between the proliferation of these weapons and the escalation of internal conflicts and insecurity. They highlighted the potential for disputes over chieftaincy titles and land ownership, often exacerbated by the availability of weapons, to erupt into violence. Effective security measures were deemed essential to address these challenges and maintain regional stability.
Paragraph 4: Advocating for the Arms Trade Treaty and National Arms Commission Bill
WAANSA Ghana specifically called for action on two fronts: prioritizing the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation Cabinet Memo and accelerating the passage of the National Arms Commission Bill, 2023. The ATT aims to establish international standards for regulating the trade in conventional arms, prevent illicit trade and diversion, and contribute to regional peace and security. The National Arms Commission Bill seeks to regulate arms and ammunition within Ghana, control proliferation, and enhance safety and security. WAANSA Ghana emphasized the importance of both initiatives in addressing the proliferation of small arms.
Paragraph 5: Benefits of the National Arms Commission Bill and Ghana’s Role in SALIENT
WAANSA Ghana highlighted the numerous benefits of the National Arms Commission Bill, including enhanced security and safety, improved national reputation, and increased stakeholder ownership in arms control efforts. The organization noted Ghana’s participation in the SALIENT Trust Fund, a project spearheaded by UNODA, UNDP, and UNODC, aimed at combating armed violence and illicit arms trafficking. As a signatory to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ghana is committed to establishing national mechanisms for arms regulation. The SALIENT project supports the passage of the bill, providing tools and mechanisms for effective control of small arms.
Paragraph 6: Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts in Implementing SALIENT
The implementation of the SALIENT project in Ghana involves collaboration between WAANSA Ghana, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. WAANSA Ghana also acknowledged the contributions of various CSOs, including the Nurture Nature Foundation, CDD Ghana, FOSDA, GACC, the Development Institute, the West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development, Security Warehouse, West Africa Lead, the Centre for Rural Women in Peace, Security, and Development, and several others. This broad coalition of organizations underscores the collaborative nature of the effort to address arms proliferation and promote peace and security in Ghana and the West African region.
