Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illicit firearms, assuring Ghanaians that efforts to rid the country of illegal weapons will continue in order to safeguard peace and public safety.
Speaking at the 8th National Arms Destruction Ceremony to mark the United Nations International Small Arms Destruction Day, Mr. Debrah said the destruction of confiscated weapons sends a strong message that illegal firearms have no place in Ghana.
“There are moments in the life of a nation when the most powerful statement we can make is not spoken with many words; it is made through our actions. Today is one of those moments,” he said.
He added, “Weapons that were once capable of spreading fear, taking lives and destabilising communities will be destroyed. They will not return to our streets. They will not return to criminal hands.”
Mr. Debrah described the exercise as a demonstration of government’s unwavering commitment to peace, security and the promotion of a gun violence-free Ghana.
“Today we gather not merely to destroy weapons but to reaffirm our collective resolve that illicit firearms should have no place in our communities, our homes or in our national life,” he stated.
He disclosed that a total of 4,038 firearms were surrendered to the Ghana Police Service during the recent arms amnesty period, describing the response as a sign of citizens’ willingness to support efforts to improve national security.
“This remarkable response demonstrates that when citizens are given the right information, the right opportunity and assurance of fairness, they will choose responsibility, they will choose patriotism, they will choose respect for the law,” he said.
The Chief of Staff stressed that government would continue to support security agencies to retrieve illegal and unregistered firearms across the country.
“Government will continue to support the security agencies in intensifying intelligence-led operations across the country to retrieve illicit and unregistered firearms. Individuals who continue to possess firearms unlawfully should know that the law will take its course,” he warned.
Mr. Debrah also appealed to the public to support security agencies by volunteering information on illegal weapons.
“Let us reject the culture of silence. Let us reject the attitude of ‘I will not be the one to say.’ When the safety of our communities is at stake, silence helps the wrong people. So if you see something, please say something,” he urged.
He emphasised that Ghana’s peace remains one of the country’s greatest assets and called on all citizens to play their part in preserving it.
“Together let us continue to silence the guns, let us protect our homes, let us defend our communities, and let us preserve the peace of our beloved country. Guns down, Ghana up,” he concluded.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
