WANEP worried over arms proliferation in Ghana

The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Ghana), has expressed worry about the proliferation of sophisticated and light weapons in the country since 2011.

It said 51 pump action guns, 16 single barrel guns, 11 AK 47 rifles, 6 pistols, two double barrel guns and a total of 2,708 of ammunitions were found in the possession of civilians in various parts of the country.

The Network said additionally 304 cartridges, 21 rounds of Mark 4, 78 rounds of G3, 31 rounds of Mark 16, 892 rounds of AK 47 rifles, 6 magazines loaded with 366 rounds and 1000 shot guns were retrieved from criminal suspects and arms traffickers by the security agencies during a swoop in various communities.

Mr Justin Bayor, National Network Coordinator of the WANEP, said these in a press statement issued in Tamale and made available to the Ghana News Agency saying this could pose a threat to the peace and security of the nation and that the information provided was part of the peace and security update of Ghana for the 2012 elections.

He said with a record of 80 violent incidents across the country out of which 45 were armed robbery cases with the rest including chieftaincy related conflicts and politically motivated violence led to 16 violent attacks led to 29 deaths.

Mr Bayor said should efforts at reducing such incidents be taken for granted, we may witness a campaign period characterized by allegations and counter-accusations resulting in violence and the loss of lives.

He recommended that political parties should end their belligerent language, respect the political parties’ code of conduct, pledge of non-violence and respect the verdict of the coming elections.

Source: GNA