By Akosua Frema Frempong
In a concerted effort to enhance responsible reporting and strengthen arms control in Ghana, the West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons (WAANSA), in collaboration with the UNDP Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund Project, has organized a media empowerment workshop in Kumasi. The workshop aimed to equip journalists in the Ashanti Region with practical tools for accurate reporting, strategic advocacy, and policy influence to drive urgent legal reforms for stronger arms governance in Ghana.
WAANSA, a coalition of over sixteen civil society organizations dedicated to human security and Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) control, spearheaded the initiative in response to the growing challenges posed by the proliferation of illicit arms across West Africa, including Ghana’s northern regions.
The President of WAANSA Ghana, Mr. Ken Kinney, underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the link between easy access to Small Arms and Light Weapons and the prevalence of violent conflicts.
“The devastating effects of explosives are undeniable, but it’s the widespread availability of small arms, ammunition, and explosives that fuels ongoing conflicts,” Mr. Kinney stated. “This highlights significant weaknesses in our arms governance regimes.”
Mr. Kinney acknowledged the government’s efforts, including the establishment of the National Small Arms Commission (NASAC) in 2007 and the ratification of international conventions such as the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty. However, he stressed that these initiatives have yet to be fully implemented in domestic law.
“Our internal laws are outdated and inadequate,” Kinney explained. “While the Arms Bill 2023, a comprehensive solution developed by NASAC and stakeholders, addresses these gaps, it remains stalled, awaiting passage into law.”
Recognizing the media’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, WAANSA emphasized the need for journalists to advocate for the swift passage of the Arms Bill 2023.
The WAANSA Ghana/UNDP SALIENT Project Fund Coordinator, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, urged participants to prioritize responsible reportage over sensationalism.
“Reporting responsibly on SALW is crucial for preventing illicit trade, which has severe consequences for peace, security, and development, especially in conflict and post-conflict regions,” Mr. Ameyibor stated.
He stressed the media’s influence in shaping policy decisions and public perception regarding Small Arms and Light Weapons but cautioned against irresponsible reporting that could exacerbate conflict.
“Empowering the media and enhancing accountability in SALW reporting is essential for promoting peace and security,” Mr. Ameyibor added. “By working together, we can foster accurate reporting and contribute to a more peaceful world.”
Mr. Ameyibor acknowledged the challenges journalists face, including limited access to information, lack of expertise, pressure from special interest groups, and the inherent complexity of Small Arms and Light Weapons issues. He emphasized the importance of training, capacity building, access to resources, and protection from intimidation to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.
A key concern raised during the workshop was the delayed passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) for the Control List, drafted by NASAC in 2017. The Programme Manager at NASAC, Mr. Leonard Tettey, expressed concern over the delay.
“Customs officers need this document to ensure that all weapons entering the country are authorized,” Mr. Tettey explained. “The absence of the Control List means there are no clear restrictions, and the entry of weapons relies solely on the discretion of customs authorities.”
Mr. Tettey also highlighted Ghana’s failure to domesticate international treaties on weapons-related humanitarian laws.
“Currently, if a non-state actor is found manufacturing or using chemical weapons, there are no domestic laws to address the situation,” he warned, emphasizing the need for swift action to protect the country.
The Ghana SALIENT project, a collaborative effort involving the UN Resident Coordinator, UN Agencies (UNDP and UNODC), NASAC, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and WAANSA-Ghana, aims to integrate Small Arms and Light Weapons control into national development frameworks.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from participating journalists to prioritize responsible reporting, advocate for stronger legislation, and contribute to the fight against illicit arms trade in Ghana and the wider West Africa region.
