In partnership with the disarmament unit of the ECOWAS, the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) is organizing a stakeholders' workshop for the Development of a National Strategy on Small Arms Control. The 3-day sensitization workshop is on the model guide for implementing the ECOWAS convention of small arms and light weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) hosted at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
The workshop aims to bring together key civil society stakeholders to share their experiences, knowledge, and ideas on addressing the issue of small arms control in the region. And most importantly, to collaborate and develop an effective and comprehensive national strategy on small arms control tailored to Ghana's specific needs and challenges.
During the opening ceremony on 21st June 2023, Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, the resident representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, in his keynote address, encouraged all present to remain resolute in collective determination, unwavering, and dedicated to the action of harmonizing all efforts within the sub-region towards small arms control. He ended his statement by quoting the Ministry of National Security, "The misuse of arms is a danger to our peace and security. Say "No" to illicit arms in Ghana. If you see something, say something."
In his opening statement, Mr. Solomon Okai, the Acting Programs Manager of FOSDA, also urged all present to pay attention, give unwavering dedication and pull together coordinated actions to guarantee the security and welfare of citizens against the threats of small arms and light weapons. He indicated that according to FOSDA's violent incident monitoring exercise, gun violence had been the second most occurring incident and contributed more than 40% to death and injury to men, women, and children. Mr. Okai commended the tremendous efforts of The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) towards building peace and security in Ghana through the effective control of small arms and light weapons. "Together with CSOs, we are confident to control arms effectively," he said
Therefore, this workshop is a significant step in taking action toward operationalizing the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Other distinguished guests present were representatives from the European Union, the German Embassy, and GIZ. Some Peace and Security Organizations in attendance included the NPC, WACCE, WAANSA, Jatikay Centre, Security Warehouse, WILPF-GHANA, and the Bureau of Public Safety.
The ECOWAS Commission and FOSDA are committed to working together to address the issue of small arms control in Ghana and the wider region, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this workshop will have on our efforts to promote peace and security in Ghana and the sub-region.
