The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has marked the 2025 International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness with a call for collective action to combat the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW).

In a press release dated Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and signed by the Acting Executive Secretary Dr. Adam Bonaa, the commission emphasized that disarmament is essential for peace, sustainable development, and human security, urging all sectors of society to join the effort.

"At the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), we recognize that disarmament efforts must involve all sectors of society. This is why we are actively engaging the youth, community leaders, security agencies, civil society organizations and policymakers in the fight against small arms proliferation. Young people, in particular, play a crucial role in perpetuating gun-violence, and in the same way, are critical stakeholders in building a culture of peace.

"In view of this, the commission engages the youth through its sensitization programs in schools and dialogues with youth groups. For instance, the commission sensitized over 25 Basic, Junior and Senior High Schools in 2024. We are indeed committed to empowering the youth as advocates for disarmament. non-proliferation and peace," the statement said.

The statement also outlined NACSA’s operational efforts, including enhanced border surveillance at eight locations such as Aflao, Elubo, and Tema Port, in collaboration with security agencies.

These measures, according to the statement, aim to curb the transnational trade of illicit arms.

Additionally, the commission, the statement said, has worked with the Ghana Police Service to collect and destroy seized weapons, aiming to "reduce the number of illicit arms in the country" and prevent their misuse.

While affirming Ghana’s commitment to global disarmament through its ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and submission of its initial report, NACSA called on government agencies, traditional leaders, the media, and the public to report suspicious firearm activities to authorities via designated hotlines.

"On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, we call on all stakeholders government agencies, security forces, civil society, traditional leaders, the youth, media, licensed arms dealers, etc.-to join us in the fight against the illicit proliferation of SALW.


"The general public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to firearms to either the National Security on 999. the Ghana Police Service on 18555 or the Small Arms Commission on +233 (0)302 669 071. Suspicions can also be channeled via our official social media platforms," the statement said.

Read the full statement below:



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