The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) Ghana has commended the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Henry Quartey, for his tireless efforts in ensuring the safety and security in Ghana since his assumption of office.
At the end of a three-day capacity-building session for about 25 civil society organisations connected to WAANSA-Ghana in Abokobi, near Accra, on the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Project administered by the UN Systems in Ghana, the CSOs acknowledged the minister’s proactive approach to addressing security concerns in Ghana.
However, WAANSA Ghana also called on the Minister to prioritize the approval of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) implementation Cabinet Memo, which is long over due, and the National Commission on Small Arms Bill, which aims to regulate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons(SALW).
The CSOs emphasized the urgent need for the bill to be passed into law to ensure effective control and regulation of SALW. The current gun control laws remain the weakest link in the efforts to counter terrorism, money laundering, and combat the proliferation of SALW in the country, as acknowledged by the European Union and other International Organizations.
According to WAANSA Ghana, the Minister’s commitment to protecting citizens is commendable, but the passage of the National Commission on Small Arms Bill into law, as well as the Cabinet’s approval of the Arms Trade Treaty implementation Memo are crucial in addressing the root causes of insecurity and violence in Ghana and preventing the illicit trade in arms.
The organization acknowledged his track record inhis previous portfolio as Greater Accra Regional Minister and urged him to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the Cabinet Memo for Arms Trade Treaty Implementation which Ghana signed and ratified nine years ago is approved to pave the way for the National Arms Commission bill to be passed into law without delay.
WAANSA Ghana also highlighted the need for increased public awareness and education on the dangers of proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons(SALW). The organization called on government to intensify collaboration with civil society organizations and community leaders to promote peace and security in Ghana, especially before, during and after the December 2024 general elections.
WAANSA Ghana emphasized that the fight against proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, since the easy availability SALW is a threat to national security The organization expressed its willingness to work with the government and other partners to ensure that Ghana becomes a safer and more secure country for all.
The CSOs also commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their commitment to support the efforts towards the passage of the draft Bill and the approval of the Arms Trade Treaty Implementation Memoranda.
It is noted that Ghana is the third African country to benefit from the first phase of the SALIENT Trust fund, being spearheaded by the UNODA, UNDP and the UNODC.
The project aims to address armed violence and proliferation of illicit SALW trafficking, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to sustainable security and development.
BRIEF BACKGROUND TO SALIENT PROJECT
The project seeks to upscale efforts towards the passage of the Small Arms Commission Bill into law to provide the necessary tools and mechanisms to effectively regulate the trade, possession, and transfer of small arms and light weapons.
Recent global developments underscore the urgent need to develop a robust strategy to safeguard sustainable development gains and address the menace of small arms proliferation.
The SALIENT project is being implemented in Ghana by WAANSA-Ghana, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
SALIENT is integrated into multisectoral platforms and initiatives that have been created over the past 20 years by UNDP, UNODA, UNODC, and other UN bodies. These initiatives highlight the necessity of a multisectoral approach to combating armed violence as well as the control of small arms and ammunition.
Additionally, the project aims to support ongoing efforts by UN and non-UN organisations engaged in border control, law enforcement, and crime prevention.
