The Ag. Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons is leading Ghana’s delegation to the Twelfth Meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Firearms (WGF), which opened today, 28th April, 2025 in Vienna, Austria.
The high-level meeting, convened under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, brings together member states and international stakeholders to advance efforts against the illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms. This year’s agenda focuses on the role of the UN Firearms Protocol in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and criminal justice responses.
In a strong show of Ghana’s commitment to global peace and security, the Ag. Executive Secretary who was a panellist during one of the key sessions, delivered a presentation on: “The Contribution of the Firearms Protocol to Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Efforts; The Ghana Experience.”
His presentation highlighted Ghana’s national strategies for firearms control, including the Commission’s work on weapons marking, arms stockpile management, weapons destruction, the legal framework on firearms and public education campaigns. He made a compelling case for the integration of the Firearms Protocol into regional peace and security frameworks and called for increased cross-border collaboration to tackle the root causes of firearms trafficking.
Speaking ahead of the session, Dr. Adam Bonaa emphasized the importance of aligning local actions with global standards. “Small arms proliferation is not just a national security issue — it is a regional and international concern that threatens development, destabilizes communities, and prolongs conflicts. Ghana remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the Firearms Protocol and to sharing our experiences in support of international cooperation.” he stated.
The two-day meeting will also review criminal justice responses to firearms-related offenses and assess progress made in the implementation of the Firearms Protocol across member states.
Ghana’s participation underscores its leadership role in West Africa on issues of arms control, peacebuilding and organized crime prevention.
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons continues to engage actively in global forums to promote a safer, more secure and peaceful society through effective arms regulation and international cooperation.