Ghana, through the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), is set to host a Regional Planning Meeting for Operation KAFO VI from May 27 to 29, 2025, bringing together representatives from Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Ghana.
Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through its Global Firearms Programme, and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, Operation KAFO is a strategic, intelligence-led cross-border initiative jointly coordinated by UNODC and INTERPOL. Designed to disrupt illegal arms networks and enhance law enforcement collaboration, previous phases—including KAFO V—have successfully bolstered border security and significantly contributed to peace and stability across West Africa.
The Accra meeting is being convened in response to growing security concerns in the region, particularly the spillover of terrorist threats toward the Gulf of Guinea and the persistent challenge of firearms proliferation. Serving as a preparatory platform ahead of the full operational launch of KAFO VI, the meeting will build on the lessons and successes of KAFO V and seek to coordinate joint efforts against firearms trafficking and associated threats throughout the West African region.
During the three-day event, participating countries will present initial national threat assessments, focusing on trafficking methods, high-risk areas, and profiles of suspected traffickers. These inputs will help define targeted border posts and operational priorities for the upcoming mission.
Each participating country will be represented by four delegates, comprised of representatives from their National Arms Commission, INTERPOL, Justice Ministry and Customs. This will be followed by a series of interactive sessions led by experts from UNODC and national institutions, covering areas such as operational planning, training content, threat assessment tools and coordination mechanisms.
Operation KAFO VI, which will strengthen cooperation, promote intelligence sharing and refine operational strategies, is expected to make a meaningful contribution to regional peace and security.
As countries in West Africa continue to confront the intertwined challenges of arms trafficking and violent extremism, this planning meeting marks an important milestone in ensuring a united and strategic response.
As a frontline actor in the fight against arms trafficking, Ghana, through the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons continues to lead by example. NACSA’s proactive engagement and leadership do not only reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a stabilizing force in the region but also signal the country’s readiness to champion innovative and collaborative solutions to cross-border threats.