Small arms amnesty campaign boosts surrender, regularisation of weapons in Ashanti Region

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons reported that its amnesty campaign has significantly boosted surrender and regularisation of small arms and light weapons in the Ashanti Region. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, the Ashanti Regional Head of the Commission, attributed this success to the participation of individuals and their encouragement of others to surrender or regularise their weapons.

The campaign dispelled misconceptions that it aimed to arrest or prosecute those who surrendered unregistered weapons voluntarily. The National Peace Council organized a training programme for peace ambassadors from 12 constituencies in the Ashanti Region to strengthen efforts against the proliferation of small arms. Oduro emphasized the ambassadors' role in promoting dialogue, responsible citizenship, and peaceful coexistence at the community level.

He urged them to use their positions to foster community involvement and prevent illicit weapon circulation. Oduro stressed the importance of sustained public education and collaboration with stakeholders in eradicating small arms proliferation.