The tragic case of the 16-year-old student involved in gun violence at the Adventist Senior
High School in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana is evidence of the alarming easy
accessibility and availability of firearms in Ghana, posing a significant threat to peace and
security in the country. The incident is a pressing reminder of the need for comprehensive
arms control and regulation in the country.
FOSDA’s Media Monitoring of Violent Incident Report for the fourth quarter (October to
December) of 2024 recorded 30 cases of gun-related violence, representing 25% of the total
cases recorded during the period. This marked a 60% increase of gun violence incidents
recorded for the third quarter (July to September) of 2024, where we recorded 19 cases of
gun-related violence incidents.
Even though the increase in gun-related violence incidents for the last quarter of 2024 can
be attributed to the 2024 general elections and escalation of the Bawku violence during
that period, the situation has not improved markedly so far in 2025. FOSDA has recorded 27
cases of gun-related violence for the first quarter (January to March) of 2025. This is a
worrying indication of the high proliferation of guns in the Ghanaian system. FOSDA’s media
monitoring recorded 10 incidents of gun violence in the first quarter (January- December) in
2024, signifying a 170% increase for the same period in 2024. These are worrying trends,
with poor regulation as one of the root causes.
FOSDA strongly urges the National Commission on Small Arms, the Ministry of The Interior
and other related Government agencies to prioritize the effective regulation of arms as well
as the local production of armes in the country. We call on the government to urgently
review the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act of 2007 and the
Arms and Ammunition Decree of 1972 (NRCD 9) to ensure they address current challenges
and arms proliferation effectively. Additionally, passing the National Arms Control List is
crucial to establishing a more robust regulatory framework that can help curb the
circulation of illegal firearms and enhance public safety.
Implementing the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) would be a vital step in reinforcing Ghana’s
commitment to regulating arms transfers and preventing illegal trade. By aligning national
legislation with international standards, Ghana can better control the flow of weapons and
ensure comprehensive monitoring and reporting of arms transactions.
This approach not only strengthens domestic control measures but also contributes to international efforts in
reducing gun violence and maintaining peace and security.
It is crucial that Ghana aligns its local legislation with international standards to strengthen
Ghana’s regulatory framework and also enhance cooperation with global partners in
combating illegal arms trade.