Paragraph 1: WAANSA-Ghana’s Congratulations and Call to Action
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, viewing it as a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic progress. Simultaneously, WAANSA-Ghana has underscored the pressing security challenges facing Ghana and the broader West African subregion. These challenges include the volatile regional security landscape, internal conflicts exacerbated by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and localized disputes, such as chieftaincy conflicts and land disputes, which often escalate into violence. WAANSA-Ghana stresses the urgent need for effective security measures to address these issues and ensure regional stability.
Paragraph 2: Prioritizing the Arms Trade Treaty and National Legislation
To combat these security concerns, WAANSA-Ghana has urged President Mahama and key government bodies, including the national security apparatus, parliament, and the judiciary, to prioritize the approval of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation Cabinet Memo and the passage of the National Arms Commission Bill, 2023. The ATT is a crucial international agreement aiming to establish stringent standards for regulating the international arms trade, curbing illicit arms trafficking, and preventing the diversion of weapons. Its ultimate goals include contributing to international and regional peace, security, and stability, reducing human suffering, and promoting transparency and responsible action among participating states.
Paragraph 3: The Significance of the National Arms Commission Bill
The National Arms Commission Bill, 2023, is a critical piece of legislation designed to regulate and manage arms, ammunition, and related materials within Ghana. This bill aims to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, enhance safety and security, and protect lives and property. WAANSA-Ghana emphasizes the bill’s importance in addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, a significant driver of conflict and insecurity in the region.
Paragraph 4: Benefits of the National Arms Commission Bill
WAANSA-Ghana highlights several key benefits that the National Arms Commission Bill would bring. These include enhanced security and public safety by regulating small arms, bolstering Ghana’s international reputation as a nation committed to peace and stability, and fostering collaborative approaches to security challenges by strengthening partnerships among stakeholders. The passage of this bill, WAANSA-Ghana argues, would contribute significantly to a more cohesive and effective approach to security and safety within the country.
Paragraph 5: A Collective Effort for Peace and Security
Mr. Ken Kinney, President of WAANSA-Ghana, emphasized the urgent need for the bill’s passage and the cabinet’s approval of the ATT implementation memo, highlighting their crucial role in addressing the root causes of insecurity and violence in Ghana and preventing the illicit arms trade. He called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and international partners, to work together to promote peace and security in Ghana and the wider West African subregion. The fight against small arms and light weapons, Mr. Kinney stressed, requires a concerted and collaborative approach.
Paragraph 6: Ghana’s Role in Regional and International Efforts
Ghana is actively involved in regional and international initiatives to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. As a signatory to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ghana is committed to establishing a National Commission to regulate these weapons effectively. Furthermore, Ghana is a beneficiary of the SALIENT Trust Fund, a project spearheaded by UNODA, UNDP, and UNODC, which aims to address armed violence and illicit small arms trafficking through a comprehensive approach to sustainable security and development. WAANSA-Ghana collaborates with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in implementing the SALIENT project in Ghana, demonstrating the country’s dedication to tackling this critical issue. A network of civil society organizations, including those focused on journalism, youth empowerment, women’s rights, and community development, supports WAANSA-Ghana’s efforts, reflecting a broad-based commitment to peace and security in the region.
