Ghana’s Rising Crime Wave Sparks Urgent Calls for Firearms Regulation

Ghana is facing a surge in modern crimes, with outdated laws struggling to keep up with rapidly evolving criminal tactics and technological advancements. A major concern, according to Johnson Asante-Twum, Managing Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms, is the country’s weak firearm regulations, which leave it vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

Currently, Ghana has no legal limit on the number of firearms an individual can own, raising concerns over unchecked stockpiling of weapons without oversight. This regulatory gap, combined with the lack of required competency training for gun owners, heightens the risk of both accidental and intentional misuse of firearms, posing a significant threat to public safety.

In response to the growing dangers of illicit small arms and ammunition, the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) Ghana hosted a media engagement event at Accra City Hotel on February 21, 2025. The event brought together key stakeholders, including international organizations and civil society groups, to address the increasing proliferation of firearms across West Africa, particularly in line with the United Nations’ Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Project.

Ken Kinney, President of WAANSA Ghana, delivered the opening remarks, stressing the urgent need for action to prevent further instability in the region. He noted that Ghana, like its West African neighbors, is struggling with violent conflicts fueled by the easy accessibility of small arms and weak control measures.

Since its launch in 2023, the SALIENT Project has facilitated Ghana’s collaboration with UN agencies such as the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the UN Development Program (UNDP). The initiative aims to integrate small arms control into Ghana’s national development strategies while advocating for critical legal reforms.

Mr. Kinney highlighted the crucial role of the media in raising awareness and pushing for the long-overdue passage of the Arms Commission Bill. This proposed legislation seeks to regulate gun ownership, distribution, and control within Ghana—a key step in addressing the growing threats posed by both legal and illicit firearms circulation.