More than 2,000 firearms have been permanently destroyed in Ghana as part of efforts to reduce gun violence and improve public safety, with officials describing the exercise as a major step in keeping dangerous weapons off the streets.
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons conducted its eighth National Arms Destruction Exercise, destroying firearms that had either been voluntarily surrendered under the National Gun Amnesty Programme or seized and confiscated by the security services during various operations.
The event brought together senior government officials, heads of the security agencies, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and development partners.
A symbolic destruction of firearms was led by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, alongside other dignitaries, underscoring the country’s commitment to permanently removing illegal weapons from circulation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dr Adam Bonaa, said the exercise formed part of a broader national strategy to tackle gun violence.
“This exercise is not an end in itself, but one important step within a broader national strategy to reduce gun violence and strengthen public safety,” he said.
The commission said the destruction of the weapons reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to improving national security and preventing firearms from returning to illegal circulation.
