The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the "Silence the Gun to Save a Life" campaign.

The initiative, announced at a press briefing in Accra on October 16, 2024, aims to curb the proliferation of small arms in Ghana and promote peace and security across communities.

Mr. Samuel Williams Yeboah, Executive Secretary of the Commission, highlighted the significant threat posed by the availability of small arms, particularly their impact on vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. He stressed that the easy accessibility of these weapons contributes to rising levels of violence, disrupting everyday life and threatening national stability.

"Small arms have become tools of terror, inflicting deep scars on our social fabric. The proliferation of these weapons is not just a symptom of broader conflicts; it is a root cause that perpetuates violence, destabilizes communities, and fuels criminal activity," Mr. Yeboah stated.

The campaign focuses on raising awareness, engaging communities, and reducing the illegal possession of arms through education and advocacy. Mr. Yeboah called on all Ghanaians, including civil society organizations and the media, to join in the fight against illegal arms, emphasizing that collective effort is key to creating a culture of peace in Ghana.

Adding to the urgency of the situation, Mr. Niloy Banerjee, Resident Representative of the UNDP, highlighted the broader regional and international implications of small arms proliferation. He noted that diverted arms are often used by criminal organizations, terrorist groups, and rebels to spread violence and instability.

"The diversion of arms enables criminals and terror groups to access weapons meant for law enforcement, creating a culture where ‘might is right,’" Mr. Banerjee said. "This mindset exacerbates conflicts and negatively affects the image we are trying to build in Africa."

Mr. Banerjee underscored the devastating socio-economic impacts of arms proliferation, which undermines security, good governance, and economic development. He called for a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue, emphasizing the role of UNDP in supporting national institutions, developing legal frameworks, and raising public awareness about the dangers of small arms.

"UNDP has played a significant role in assisting governments to address the proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons," Mr. Banerjee noted, outlining various activities, including capacity-building efforts, regional cooperation, and public awareness campaigns.

The "Silence the Gun to Save a Life" campaign, supported by the UNDP through the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund, is aimed at educating high-risk groups, changing societal attitudes, and fostering a zero-tolerance approach toward the possession and use of illegal firearms. The initiative comes at a time when small arms proliferation is on the rise, and incidents of gun-related deaths are increasing globally.

Mr. Banerjee also took the opportunity to call on Ghanaians to uphold the values of peace and coexistence, especially as the 2024 elections approach. He praised Ghana for its track record of rising above political tensions during elections and urged all citizens to continue safeguarding the nation’s peace.

The joint campaign by the National Commission on Small Arms and the UNDP marks a crucial step in Ghana’s efforts to combat the spread of illegal arms and build a safer, more secure future for all its citizens.