Aflao, Ghana — Border regions are emerging as critical battlegrounds in the fight against organized crime, particularly the trafficking of small arms. These vulnerable zones are frequently exploited by criminal networks, taking advantage of gaps in security and a lack of coordination among agencies. To address this escalating threat, a two-day capacity-building workshop was held at the Aflao Border Post from October 22-23, 2024. The workshop aimed to enhance the capabilities of Ghana’s border security personnel and improve their ability to combat small arms smuggling.
As part of the broader efforts under the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Project, the event by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together representatives from 16 key border agencies, focusing on strengthening interagency collaboration, improving crime scene management, and enhancing intelligence gathering to prevent the illicit trafficking of small arms across borders.
In his opening address, Mr. Samuel Williams Yeboah, Executive Secretary of NACSA, stressed the urgency of the initiative. He noted the growing threat of violence spilling over from the Sahel region into the Gulf of Guinea, with over 40% of violent incidents occurring within 100 kilometers of land borders. “Our borders have become targets for criminal networks who exploit weak points due to insufficient coordination among security agencies,” Yeboah said. He urged participants to fully engage with the training to develop the skills needed to address these challenges.
The workshop featured a series of practical sessions designed to improve participants’ skills in handling suspects, investigating crime scenes, and tracing and detecting illicit arms. Additionally, the training highlighted the importance of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms, which provides a legal framework to combat arms trafficking in West Africa.
Assistant Commissioner Joseph Allan, Chairman of the Aflao Border Security Committee (BORSEC), praised the initiative as being timely given the increasing prevalence of cross-border crimes. He emphasized the need for additional personnel and resources to effectively patrol the numerous unapproved routes at the Aflao border, which are often exploited by traffickers.
“The training has equipped us with practical skills that are essential for our daily operations,” said one participant from the Ghana Immigration Service. Another attendee highlighted the improved understanding of interagency coordination, a crucial factor in securing the nation’s borders.
Mr. Leonard Tettey, Project Coordinator for the SALIENT Project emphasized that the capacity-building program was specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced at the borders, providing officers with the tools necessary to combat illicit small arms trafficking. He also reassured participants that the training marked a significant step toward ensuring long-term sustainability and effectiveness in arms control efforts.
ACP Owusuwaa Kyeremeh Esq. delivered a presentation on the gender dimensions of small arms proliferation. She highlighted the importance of greater gender inclusivity in small arms control and encouraged the recruitment of more women into border security roles, as well as the provision of gender-sensitive facilities.
Mr. Bernard H. Asamoah discussed the challenges posed by the illicit arms market, including the rise of the “Dark Web” in the detection and tracking of small arms. He suggested creating central weapons units and utilizing ballistic testing to improve detection capabilities.
The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, symbolizing their renewed commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s borders against the proliferation of small arms. Organizers expressed optimism that the skills acquired during the training would result in stronger border security and more effective prevention of arms trafficking.
