Accra: Mr Francis Ameyibor, the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA Ghana) and UNDP SALIENT Fund Project Coordinator, has called on the government to implement measures, including the swift passage of the National Small Arms Bill, to protect teenagers from exposure to firearms.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ameyibor expressed concern about teenagers’ exposure to small arms, which is increasingly creating a state of insecurity in second-cycle schools, warning that this could escalate into a major security crisis. He emphasized that teenagers are not mentally stable or mature enough to handle weapons, and gun violence has a profound impact on children and adolescents, extending far beyond the immediate incident.
Mr Ameyibor highlighted that trauma from gun-related events can lead to poor concentration, declining grades, withdrawal, aggression, or avoidance of crowds. This also causes stress cycles affecting parents and family members and may lead to potential substance abuse. Speaking on the recent use of guns and other dangerous tools by some teenagers in second-cycle schools, he called for intensified public education on gun ownership and safe storage processes.
He urged parents to be proactive in preventing their children from accessing firearms, noting that the situation is partly due to parents’ failure to adhere to safety protocols or a lack of knowledge on gun safety. Mr Ameyibor encouraged parents and guardians to strictly follow gun safety protocols at home to prevent accidents, especially around children.
Safety protocols include storing guns in child-proof safes or lockboxes, out of children’s reach and sight, using fingerprint recognition or combination locks to prevent unauthorized access, and keeping ammunition locked separately in a different location. He also advised parents to educate their children on gun safety and the dangers of firearms, teaching them to stay away from guns and alert an adult if they find one.
Mr Ameyibor emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership, stating that buying a gun is not enough without ensuring household and societal safety. He stressed keeping guns unloaded when not in use, using trigger locks or biometric safes to prevent accidental discharge, and teaching children the fundamental rules of gun safety, including treating all firearms as if they are loaded.
The need for the passage of the National Small Arms Bill 2023 is crucial, Mr Ameyibor added, as it addresses emerging threats and emphasizes responsible gun ownership. He called on stakeholders to collaborate in creating a safer environment for teenagers and prioritize trauma-informed care and counseling services for students affected by gun violence.
The National Small Arms Bill 2023, currently at the Ministry of the Interior, aims to enhance national security, align laws on small arms and light weapons with international standards, and address legislative gaps. WAANSA Ghana is part of the entities implementing the Saving Lives Entity Fund Project (Salient), a United Nations funding facility dedicated to tackling armed violence and illicit small arms as part of a comprehensive approach to security and development.
The bill seeks to improve firearms control, promote peace and stability, and encourage collaboration to prevent illicit trade, possession, and use of small arms. It aims to regulate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, preventing armed violence linked to terrorism and organized crime, and reducing their use in such activities to enhance national security.