Ghana, through the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) hosts the Annual Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms for ECOWAS Member States — a three-day high-level meeting aimed at reviewing and harmonising national initiatives for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
This year’s meeting is held under the theme: “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices and Addressing Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region.”
The meeting brings together Heads of National Commissions, national experts, and development partners to:
- Review and validate the Draft Regional Strategy on Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs);
- Review and validate the Study and Guideline on the Control of Craft Weapons;
- Standardize documentation for the ECOWAS Exemption Certificate and introduce the consultancy on harmonising the End User Certificate; and
- Strengthen and standardize the implementation of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and partners’ initiatives at the national level.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of NACSA, Dr. Bonaa underscored the importance of regional cooperation, noting that “what happens in neighboring countries could happen in Ghana, because our destinies are tied together.”
He also highlighted ongoing efforts and achievements of Ghana’s National Commission, including the upcoming Gun Amnesty Programme aimed at reducing illicit arms in circulation, the proposed Arms Bill, and the development of a National Control List to reinforce Ghana’s legal and regulatory frameworks.
He concluded by expressing his hope that National Commissions will emerge even stronger after the three-day programme, with deeper collaboration and renewed commitment to securing the region.
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