Dr Adam Bonaa, Board Chair of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has commended Dr. Adam Bonaa, Board Chair of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), on his appointment as Chair of the Diversion Information Exchange Forum (DIEF) of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a United Nations agency dedicated to controlling the global arms trade.

The commendation was made during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly constituted Board of NACSA, held in Accra on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

The Minister described Dr. Bonaa’s appointment to the international arms control body as a significant recognition of Ghana’s contribution to global efforts aimed at tackling the proliferation and misuse of small arms.

In his address, he highlighted the pressing need for strengthened action in the face of rising gun-related violence in Ghana.

He warned that such incidents, often linked to the unlawful display of firearms during social events like funerals and traditional celebrations, threaten national peace, security, and development.

“This inauguration is more than ceremonial. It is a call to action in the face of the troubling surge in gun-related violence that has the potential to undermine our hard-won stability,” he stressed.

The Minister applauded the outgoing Board for their dedicated service and commended the incoming members for accepting the responsibility to serve.

He emphasised that the new Board must bring fresh energy, innovation, and a deep sense of patriotism to the task of combating the proliferation of small arms.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to passing the long-awaited Draft National Arms Bill, which he described as crucial for establishing a robust legal framework for arms control in Ghana.

“The increasing incidents of gun-related violence make it abundantly clear that we need stronger legislation. We are working tirelessly with stakeholders to ensure the passage of this important Bill,” he assured.

Addressing the incoming Board, the Minister called for enhanced collaboration with civil society, traditional leaders, the media, and especially young people, particularly in border and conflict-prone communities.

“Preventing gun violence is not only about enforcement. It is about education, empowerment, and inclusion,” he noted.

AM/KA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey