Firearms cannot be inherited from deceased relatives. Individuals who are bequeathed firearms must report to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for vetting to determine if they are qualified to handle the weapon. If deemed unqualified, the weapon will be held in the custody of the Commission until a qualified individual is identified.
The Upper East Regional Programmes Officer of the Commission, Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga, conveyed this information during a media briefing on the sidelines of a community engagement aimed at sensitizing residents to the dangers of radicalization and violent extremism.
“The law does not permit citizens to inherit weapons directly from deceased individuals. If a weapon is involved and your father passes away, family members need to report to us promptly. We will vet the individual seeking to inherit the weapon. If the person is qualified, we will hand it over; if not, we will keep it in our custody,” he stated.
If no one is qualified or becomes qualified to handle the weapon, the government will take over its custody, Mr. Akanbonga added.
Failure to follow the proper procedures for purchasing, owning, or inheriting an illicit firearm could result in fines or jail terms with hard labor for a minimum of ten years, Mr. Akanbonga warned.
Recently, the Upper East Regional Peace Council, in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Narcotics Control Commission, has been engaging community members to raise awareness in border communities about the persistent threat of violent extremism.
The discussions have focused on the agenda: “Building Trust between Security Agencies and Border Communities through Community Forums.”
This initiative is part of the Atlantic Corridor Project aimed at preventing and responding to violent extremism. It is funded by the governments of Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Australia through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). More than 400 residents in several border towns within the region have been engaged.
David Angaamba, Principal Programmes Manager with the Upper East Regional Peace Council, urged residents to cooperate with security services in the fight against violent extremism. He also advised them to avoid hate speech.
He encouraged young people to remain vigilant, as violent extremists not only seek to attack but also to recruit youth into their groups. “It is better to be at peace in poverty than to fall for false promises that lead to unbearable suffering,” he said.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Robert Ubindam, Head of Operations and Intelligence at the Paga Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, explained that some communities in Burkina Faso, near Nakolo in the Kassena-Nankana West District, have been flagged for jihadist activities. He stressed, “It is important to raise awareness among community members so they understand the threat from Burkina Faso, particularly from Kaya and Kampala.”
He emphasized that educating more young people is crucial for Ghana to effectively address threats of violent extremism.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
