Upper West Region, Ghana – In a concerted effort to combat the proliferation of illicit arms and enhance community safety, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons intensified its public education and sensitization activities.
Officers of the Commission, Mr. Fred Kaarindeme Briamah and Mr. Mohammed Mahawia, in the region collaborated closely with the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), engaging in extensive discussions and distributing informational stickers and flyers. These materials were disseminated across all 11 Municipal and Metropolitan District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the region, reaching a broad audience.
The Commission convened meetings with various transportation companies, including Metro Mass Transport, Inter State Transport Corporation (STC), and others. These sessions were designed to educate staff and drivers on identifying and reporting potential illicit weapons being transported. Emphasizing the risks involved, the Commission highlighted the legal repercussions and dangers of illicit arms transportation, stressing the potential harm to both drivers and passengers in case of robbery or mishandling.
Stickers and flyers were widely distributed among motorists, drivers, and bicycle riders, with prominent placement in bus stations, churches, mosques, markets, and other public spaces. Key institutions and personalities, including the Regional Coordinating Director’s office, the Regional Crime Officer, and the NCCE regional director, received informational materials to further disseminate within their networks.
Additionally, the Commission conducted public education forums in collaboration with the Wa-Tamale-Bolgatanga bus station, focusing on the roles of the Commission, the risks associated with transporting firearms, and the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious items.
The Commission’s proactive approach in public education and sensitization has garnered praise for its commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability within the region. With continued collaboration and engagement, stakeholders remain optimistic about achieving tangible progress in addressing the challenges posed by illicit arms trafficking.
