Thursday, 5th June 2025 — The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) convened key stakeholders from across the transport industry at its headquarters for a critical engagement aimed at strengthening the sector’s role in preventing the illicit movement of arms. Representatives from the GPRTU, Intercity STC Ltd, Aayalolo Transport System Ltd, O.A. Travel and Tours, Royal VVIP Transport, GH Express, Bolt Ghana and others were sensitized on the dangers of transporting illicit firearms.
Besides equipping the participants with skills to detect, prevent and alert security agencies on suspicious activities, the session also included key contributions from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transport, who provided insights into relevant national policies and transportation standards.
The engagement aimed to promote the adoption of best practices and ensure greater compliance with Ghana’s legal frameworks when it comes to the transportation of small arms, ammunition and explosives including improvised explosivedevices (IEDs). This stakeholder engagement builds on NACSA’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of the proliferation and misuse of illicit small arms as well as educate the Ghanaian citizenry to join the fight to safeguard our peace, safety and security.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Adam Bonaa emphasized the crucial role of transport sector operators as frontline partners in safeguarding Ghana’s peace and security, urging all stakeholders to deepen collaboration and vigilance. “Today’s program equips operators with the skills to detect, prevent and alert security agencies when they observe something suspicious” he said.
Discussions at the forum revealed practical challenges faced by transport operators, particularly regarding the high volume of parcels handled daily, which makes it difficult to inspect items thoroughly under current conditions.
NACSA highlighted the serious risks associated with this practice. A firearm or explosive in transit can result in accidental discharge, theft, or its diversion into the illicit arms market. The downstream effects are deadly—ranging from violent crime to armed robbery, domestic violence, and even acts of terrorism that could tear the country apart.
The Commission also reminded transport workers of their legal obligations. Under Section 192 (1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), any person found in possession or control of illicit firearms without lawful excuse commits an offence punishable by law to a minimum of 10 years or life imprisonment. The law also places the burden of proof (of innocence) on the individual.
The Commission urged participants to adopt simple but powerful preventive practices. They were encouraged to always check and verify the contents of parcels before loading them, remain alert to suspicious behaviour by passengers or clients, refuse to transport any parcel that raises concerns, and report any suspicious packages immediately to the Ghana Police Service or NACSA. The Commission also recommended the implementation of a checklist, a screening procedure, and a declaration form when transporting parcels, to enhance record-keeping, identification and tracing.
The engagement ended with a strong collective commitment from transport sector representatives to act as frontline partners in the national effort to curb the spread of illicit arms. One transport union leader declared: “We are the eyes and ears of the roads. If we all become vigilant, we can stop these dangerous goods from getting into the wrong hands.”
The engagement marked a step forward in deepening partnerships across the sector. It also reinforced NACSA’s ongoing sensitization drive to ensure that Ghana’s transportation systems are not exploited for criminal activity, but safeguarded for the peace and security of all citizens.
NACSA will continue to collaborate with the transport sector to build awareness, promote vigilance, and foster a culture of responsibility. Members of the public are urged to report incidents of illicit arms possession or misuse by contacting the Ghana Police Service on 18555, National Security on 999, or NACSA directly on +233 (0)59 907 0944 via call/WhatsApp or by calling +233 (0)302 669 071.