Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Robert Ayalingo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Police Commander has observed that possession of locally manufactured arms among civilians is a major threat to security in the Region.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, he noted that most people kept arms in their homes to protect themselves from armed robbers and others for hunting.

“The situation has made it difficult to identify those abusing the use of arms because it is difficult to identify a hunter or farmer possessing arms.”

DCOP Ayalingo said most of the arms in individual hands were not registered and were being kept secretly, with their source of acquisition not identified, whilst some claimed they inherited them from relatives who were hunters.

He pointed out that last year the police instituted strategic measures to deal with the situation to ensure that crime was reduced considerably in the Region to enable the general public to conduct their daily activities in peace.

DCOP Ayalingo appealed to the general public to assist the police with information to track down the manufacturers of locally-made arms and arrest those threatening neighbours with arms.

He expressed concern about the increase in rape and defilement at mining areas, and called for concerted efforts to save women and children in such areas from further abuse.

DCOP Ayalingo warned men engaged in such acts to refrain from them since they would be prosecuted when arrested.