The Upper East Regional Peace Council has organised a civilian-security dialogue at Wiesi in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region as part of efforts to tackle violent extremism in communities.
The dialogue formed part of the preventing and responding to violent extremism initiative under the Atlantic Corridor Project being funded by the Embassies of Denmark and Norway through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking at the forum, the Upper East Regional Programme Officer of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga, stressed that inheriting a gun from a deceased parent, grandparent or relative without going through the legally prescribed process of ownership transfer and authorisation constituted an offence.
He indicated that unlike houses, farmlands and other family properties that could easily be passed on to relatives after the death of their owners, firearms did not automatically become the property of surviving family members, even if the deceased directed so in a will.
He said many people unknowingly fell foul of the law by keeping firearms left behind by deceased relatives under the mistaken belief that the weapons once registered, automatically become family property upon the owner's death.
Mr. Akanbonga explained that while the law permits the transfer of certain firearms from deceased owners to eligible relatives, such transfers must be approved by the firearms registry of the Ghana Police Service.
"If your father or grandfather dies and leaves behind a firearm, you cannot simply take possession of it and begin using it. There is a legal process that must be followed before ownership can be transferred to you," he stressed.
He explained that individuals seeking to inherit firearms must first report the weapon to the Commission and undergo a thorough vetting process involving the BNI and other security agencies.
"Without the necessary authorisation and change of ownership documents, the firearm remains illegal in your possession, regardless of who originally owned it," Mr Akanbonga cautioned.
Sanctions
He warned that unlawful possession of firearms attracted severe penalties under Ghana's laws and victims could be fined up to GH₡12,000.00 or lifelong imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 10 years.
The regional programme officer also drew a distinction between firearms permitted for civilian use and those reserved strictly for security agencies saying civilians may only possess approved weapons such as licensed single-barrel guns and certain pistols used for lawful purposes, including hunting.
“Military-grade weapons such as AK-47 rifles and other assault weapons remain prohibited for civilian ownership,” he stated.
Beyond the issue of inheritance, Mr Akanbonga expressed concern over the dangers posed by illicit small arms and light weapons, which he said continued to contribute to armed robbery, violent crime and insecurity in many communities.
Remain vigilant
He noted that Wiesi and its surrounding communities, bordered by vast forest reserves, could become attractive hideouts for criminals if residents failed to remain vigilant and urged community members to support security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, movements and activities.
The principal programmes manager at the Upper East Regional Peace Council, David Atualing Angaamba, said the dialogue formed part of ongoing efforts to build trust between civilians and security agencies and promote community participation in safeguarding peace and security.
He explained that the exercise sought to educate community members on the roles of various security institutions and the complementary role citizens must play in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
“The primary aim is to strengthen the relationship between security agencies and over 300 community members in each of Wiesi, Kadema and Bachonsa towards easy information sharing and the prevention of violent extremism,” he said.
