Small arms proliferation in Upper East Region alarming – Arms Commission official Warns
Akanbonga pointed to two main sources of the crisis: illegal local manufacturing of weapons and the smuggling of firearms through unapproved entry points along the region’s borders.
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has sounded the alarm over the increasing spread of illegal firearms in the Upper East Region, warning that the trend poses a significant threat to regional peace and security.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday, May 27, the Commission’s Upper East Regional Programmes Officer, Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga, described the situation as deeply concerning and called for urgent action to curb the proliferation of small arms.
Akanbonga pointed to two main sources of the crisis: illegal local manufacturing of weapons and the smuggling of firearms through unapproved entry points along the region’s borders.
“When you go to the eastern part of this region, there are people who illegally produce arms, and we are currently working to bring those individuals before the law courts,” he revealed.
He further indicated that firearms are also being smuggled into the region from neighboring countries through porous and unregulated borders, worsening an already volatile situation.
The availability of such weapons, Akanbonga noted, has been a major driver of violent clashes in the region, particularly among youth in conflict-prone communities.
“You see communities that engage in conflicts; these arms influence the youth to take part in such acts. If these weapons weren’t accessible, many of these conflicts would be reduced,” he said.
In response to the growing crisis, the Commission is intensifying its efforts to clamp down on illegal arms. Akanbonga disclosed that a new technology is being developed in collaboration with partners to detect and retrieve illicit firearms from civilian possession.
“With the support of our partners, we are trying to come up with a technology that will move through all conflict-prone communities, conduct operations, and retrieve arms,” he stated.
He urged the public to support the Commission’s work by refraining from illegal firearm possession and cooperating with law enforcement agencies during disarmament operations.
The Upper East Region has experienced intermittent communal clashes and land disputes in recent years, with small arms often playing a central role in escalating tensions. Authorities hope that intensified crackdowns, enhanced surveillance, and community engagement will help reverse the trend.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
