Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga, the Programme Officer of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCASW) in the Upper East Region, has issued a strong warning regarding the inheritance of weapons from deceased relatives.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Akanbonga clarified that such practices are unlawful and pose significant risks to public safety.
Addressing the common misconception that a person can legally inherit a relative’s weapon after their death, Mr. Akanbonga emphasized that the law does not support this.
“It is important for the public to understand that inheriting a weapon from a deceased family member is illegal,” he stated.
He explained that weapons registered to an individual cannot be passed down through inheritance like other personal belongings.
Mr. Akanbonga pointed out that the illegal transfer of firearms could lead to serious legal consequences, including prosecution.
“Weapons in the possession of civilians must be duly registered, and any transfer of ownership must be legally sanctioned by the appropriate authorities. If a person inherits a weapon without going through the proper legal channels, they are in violation of the law,” he cautioned.
He further explained that the unlawful inheritance of weapons contributes to the proliferation of small arms in communities, exacerbating the potential for violence and crime.
The officer urged families to immediately report any weapons left behind by deceased relatives to the nearest police station or the NCASW for proper handling and disposal.
“This issue is not just about following the law; it’s about ensuring the safety of our communities. Unregulated weapons can easily fall into the wrong hands, leading to tragic consequences,” Mr. Akanbonga warned.
He called on the public to be vigilant and cooperate with authorities in curbing the illegal possession and transfer of firearms in the region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
