Following the tragic incident which claimed the life of the Queen Mother of the Ga-Dangme Muslim Union (Nungua West) on 23rd February 2025, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr. Adam Bonaa, led a delegation of Management and Staff to pay a courtesy call on the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, High Priest of the Nungua Traditional Area and Spiritual Overlord of the Ga-Dangme State.
The visit aimed to express the Commission’s condolences to the Gborbu Wulomo and the Nungua Traditional State as well as initiate discussions on strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities in relation to firearms safety, compliance with the law and public awareness on the dangers of firearms misuse, particularly during festivals and traditional ceremonies. Dr. Bonaa in emphasizing the influence of traditional leaders in shaping community behavior and fostering safer cultural practices, called for collective action to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents in future.
The firing of musketry has long been an integral part of Ghanaian tradition, playing a significant role in cultural and royal ceremonies, serving as a symbol of honor, strength, and historical continuity. However, while these practices hold deep traditional significance, they have in some cases, led to accidental injury and fatalities, resulting in mourning rather than joyful celebrations.
The Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse welcomed NACSA’s engagement, describing it as a “blessing.” He commended the Commission’s proactive approach, noting that it was the first time a government institution had formally engaged him on firearm-related concerns. He expressed concern over the rising trend of gun-related incidents and reports of unauthorized firearms being used for celebratory shootings and strongly condemned these acts. The Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse pledged his commitment to working with NACSA to ensure that traditional celebrations remain safe
The NACSA Team took the opportunity to caution the general public that carrying an unauthorized weapon, be it registered or not, to a traditional activity is an offence which could lead to imprisonment. The discussions explored practical measures to address accidental shootings and enforce compliance during traditional celebrations. NACSA called on traditional leaders to ensure that only trained and authorized individuals engage in celebratory shootings during traditional events, emphasizing the exclusive use of cap guns or muskets with gun-powder by designated handlers.
The Ag. Executive Secretary reiterated the need for the passage of the Arms Bill into law to ensure stricter regulations to control the proliferation of illicit small arms in the country. He also outlined the Commission’s immediate plan to extend the ongoing marking of weapons to those used for celebratory shootings by the traditional authorities starting with the Nungua Traditional State. This he specified, will aid identification, tracing, compliance and safety.
The Gborbu Wulomo in his final words pleaded with the government to expedite action in passing the Arms Bill into law in order to empower the community for effective arms control.