The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has revealed that around 1.1 million small arms and light weapons within the nation cannot be accurately traced or documented.
This sizable portion of unaccounted-for weapons, out of a total of 2.3 million currently in circulation, presents a significant threat to the country’s security.
During discussions at a regional conference focused on addressing the humanitarian impact of improvised anti-personnel mines, Frank Boateng Asumani, Head of the National Arms Marking Programme at the commission, underscored the ongoing initiatives to curb the proliferation of these arms.
Asumani stated, “Presently, there are 2.3 million small and light weapons in circulation, with 1.2 million legally registered. However, the remaining 1.1 million cannot be tracked, prompting the commission to seek funding to assess the extent of proliferation in the system. These include AK47s, pistols, pump-action guns, and locally manufactured firearms.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged nations such as Libya, Egypt, and Morocco to prioritize the ratification of the convention banning anti-personnel mines. This call aims to prevent the humanitarian consequences resulting from their deployment.
