As part of its mandate to prevent the proliferation and misuse of illicit arms through public education and stakeholder engagement, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons paid a courtesy call on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at its headquarters in Accra on 29 January 2026.
The engagement formed part of the Commission’s broader strategy to deepen collaboration with faith-based organisations, recognising their critical role in shaping values, influencing behaviour, and promoting peaceful coexistence within communities.
The meeting brought together 61 participants,43 men and 18 women, from the leadership and membership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, alongside eight officers from the Commission. It provided a platform for dialogue on shared responsibilities in advancing community safety, non-violence, and responsible citizenship.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Executive Secretary, the Senior PPME Officer, Mr Kwesi Oti-Akenten, highlighted the Commission’s mandate and underscored the importance of partnerships with religious institutions in preventing gun violence and fostering a culture of peace. The leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission warmly welcomed the Commission and reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to peace, non-violence, and community development.
A detailed presentation by the Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr Aaron Apronti, outlined the background and core functions of the Commission, with particular emphasis on public education and awareness-raising initiatives. He highlighted ongoing and planned engagements within mission schools and surrounding communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit arms, the consequences of gun violence, and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. The presentation also touched on the Commission’s Gun Amnesty Programme, which encourages civilians to surrender and properly register firearms.
An interactive discussion followed, during which participants raised questions on community reporting mechanisms, youth engagement strategies, and the specific role religious bodies can play in advocacy against gun violence.
Both institutions identified several areas for potential collaboration, including integrating small arms awareness and peace education into activities within Ahmadiyya mission schools; using mosques, community gatherings, and mission platforms to disseminate messages on non-violence and lawful behaviour; jointly implementing community sensitisation programmes targeting youth and vulnerable groups; and strengthening information sharing on suspected illicit arms-related activities in line with the law.
The Commission called on the Mission to support public education campaigns by granting access to schools, mosques, and community forums, designate focal persons to liaise on small arms-related activities, promote messages of peace among young people, and support early warning efforts through lawful reporting.
The engagement concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the shared commitment of both institutions to peace, community safety, and the prevention of illicit small arms proliferation. Both parties agreed to sustain the partnership through continuous dialogue, joint public education initiatives, and mutual support in advancing national efforts to reduce gun violence and promote a culture of peace.
