Accra, Ghana – In a crucial move to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms, the Acting Executive Secretary of Ghana’s Small Arms Commission, Dr. Adams Bonaa, recently led a delegation to the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai. This visit, conducted as part of “Operation KAFO VI,” underscored the urgent need to strengthen institutional collaboration and expedite the legislative process for the Draft Arms Bill. The delegation, which also included representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted the pervasive threat posed by unauthorized weapons to national and regional security.
Dr. Bonaa emphasized that the proposed Draft Arms Bill is pivotal for significantly boosting the Commission’s capacity to address a wide range of arms-related challenges. He explained that the new legislation would close existing legal loopholes and enable more effective responses to emerging threats in arms trafficking and usage. This proactive approach aims to create a more robust regulatory environment, ensuring that Ghana’s legal framework for arms and ammunition aligns with contemporary security demands and international best practices.
Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai reaffirmed the Attorney General’s Office’s unwavering commitment to the initiative. He explicitly stated that the Draft Arms Bill would be “fast-tracked” to ensure the establishment of a comprehensive legal regime governing arms and ammunition in Ghana.
Furthermore, Dr. Srem-Sai pledged the full support of the Attorney General’s Office, offering crucial human resources and legal expertise to facilitate the smooth and timely passage of the bill through Parliament.
The efforts of the Small Arms Commission and the Attorney General’s Office received significant commendation from the UNODC. Leonardo Lara, representing UNODC, praised Ghana’s leadership in arms control, not only within West Africa but also on a broader international scale. He strongly urged all stakeholders to maintain the current momentum towards enacting the comprehensive Draft Arms Bill into law, recognizing it as a vital step in bolstering regional stability and contributing to the global fight against illicit arms proliferation.
Sankofaonline
