What we do
To achieve its objectives, the Commission shall among other things:
Set in place programmes of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons;
Educate and sensitize the public and provide information on the dangers of small arms and light weapons in order to discourage their illicit production and circulation;
Ensure that obligations under the Economic Community of West African States are complied with;
Advise the Minister for the Interior on the formulation of policies and strategies as contained in the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and any other relevant international conventions to which Ghana is a party or has acceded to;
Receive and study periodic reports from the Ghana Police Service on the registration and licensing of arms and;
Perform any other functions related to the objectives of the Commission.
The National Commission on Small Arms & Light Weapons has developed the Ghana National Action Plan for Arms Control and Management (NAP) to guide national efforts to prevent and reduce the proliferation and misuse of illicit small arms and light weapons.
Programme Thematic Areas
The Commission implements its mandate through five (5) interrelated thematic areas, which provide a structured and coordinated approach to preventing illicit arms proliferation, strengthening control mechanisms, and enhancing human security across the country.
Small Arms Control
This thematic area focuses on strengthening policy, legal, and institutional frameworks for arms control through:
- Policy development on small arms and light weapons
- Review and harmonisation of firearms laws
- Training and capacity building for Commission staff, security agencies, and stakeholders
- Coordination of national responses to illicit arms
- Advocacy for institutional strengthening and operational effectiveness
Public Education and Awareness Raising
This area promotes public understanding and responsible behaviour by educating citizens on:
- The impact of illicit small arms and gun violence on peace and development
- Responsible ownership and safe handling of arms
- Arms and ammunition laws and penalties for illegal possession
- The importance of public security agency collaboration
Activities are delivered through mass media platforms, community sensitisation programmes, school outreach, and targeted stakeholder engagements.
Alternative Livelihood Schemes & Skills Development for Blacksmiths
This thematic area addresses illicit arms manufacture by supporting alternative livelihoods for blacksmiths through:
- Sensitisation and organisation of blacksmiths into associations
- Promotion of lawful, non-lethal production
- Skills development, business training, and entrepreneurship support
- Partnerships with government ministries, donors, and the private sector to provide tools, training, and access to markets
Border Control
This area focuses on preventing arms trafficking through:
- Training and capacity building in border control and management
- Support for logistics and equipment, including scanners and surveillance tools
- Public education and collaboration with border communities
Stockpile and Inventory Management System
This thematic area strengthens the secure management of arms through:
- Training in physical security and stockpile/inventory management
- Development of inventory management systems
- Marking and electronic registration of legally held arms
- Auditing, inspection, and destruction of seized or excess weapons
- Support for secure armouries and storage facilities
Head of State
Ministers
Executive Secretary
