The Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mad. Afi Yakubu, paid a courtesy call on the German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Daniel Krull, yesterday at the German Embassy in Accra.
Accompanying her were the Deputy Director of Programs, Mr. Johnson Asante-Twum and the National Project Coordinator on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr. Leonard Tettey.
Mad. Afi Yakubu first introduced herself to His Excellency the Ambassador and commended his government for their continuous support towards UNDP’s and the Commission’s activities over the years and also the relationship that continue to exist between them.
She reminded His Excellency on the importance to address the necessary measures that needs to be taken in order to combat illicit trafficking and the circulation of small arms.
In his response, H.E Daniel Krull, noted with great concern the high increase in weapons trafficking and its usage at the intra-party and intra-religion conflict levels. Stating that this menace impacts the quality of life and restricts people’s right to free movement.
He reiterated Germany’s commitment to helping combat the menace surrounding Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and assured the Commission of his Government’s dedication to the control of SALW. According to him, eradicating the proliferation of arms is high on the agenda of his country’s foreign policies.
He congratulated Ghana on its efforts in controlling the proliferation of arms and thus being the beacon of hope and peace to the other neighbouring countries.
In a presentation led by Mr. Tettey, he highlighted the cross-border engagement project in SALW that the Commission and its implementing partner, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), are undertaking with the support of the German Government. Notable among the activities implemented under the project included; Ballots Without Bullets, Ghana Arms Database System, Cross-Border Project: Established Containerized Offices in Elubo Border, Tema Port and Paga Border, Workshop with CSOs, and among others.
He also outlined some upcoming activities to be undertaken by the UNDP and the Commission.
The two sides exchanged views on a substantive cooperation between the German Government and the Commission.
The team presented the “Silencing the Gun” plaque as a token of appreciation to H.E Daniel Krull.
