Aflao communities unite for ‘Silence the Gun, Save a Life’ campaign

As part of the nationwide public education campaign to highlight the dangers of small arms proliferation, change societal attitudes, and build zero tolerance towards illegal small arms possession and trafficking, dubbed Silence the Gun, Save a Life campaign, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons embarked on a two-day community engagement in Aflao.

Known for its vibrant trade and proximity to Togo, Aflao has become a preferred hub for small arms trafficking, which undermines peace and stability in the ECOWAS region.

This illicit trade and trafficking of small arms and ammunition along the Aflao border pose a significant threat to sustainable development, peace, and security, as the widespread availability of these weapons exacerbates conflicts and fuels criminal activities, such as armed robberies, hijackings, kidnapping, illegal mining, poaching, and other criminal activities.

The campaign's core message—calling on communities to unite against gun violence—was communicated through a variety of methods, including key stakeholder engagements, community meetings, and extensive media outreach. Local leaders, including chiefs, religious heads, and community activists, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the initiative, with their support proving crucial in shaping public attitudes and fostering a collective commitment to reducing gun violence.

The two-day campaign, led by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons with support from the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) fund and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance culture towards small arms proliferation. It sought to engage the local community in the fight for a more peaceful and secure Ghana. The initiative targeted the heart of the issue, focusing on raising awareness about the threats posed by small arms and light weapons to both community safety and development.

The campaign began with a courtesy call to key community stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious figures, and local government representatives, to explain the objectives and seek their support. Engaging local media outlets was another crucial strategy, as it helped amplify the campaign’s messages to a wider audience.

A key feature of the campaign was the screening of a documentary highlighting the destructive impact of small arms proliferation. The film vividly depicted the consequences of illicit arms trafficking, serving as a powerful visual tool to drive home the campaign’s message.

The climax of the campaign was a Peace March through the streets of Aflao, where residents, security personnel, and civil society representatives demonstrated their solidarity against small arms proliferation. This was followed by a Durbar at Victoria Park, where speeches and cultural performances reinforced the campaign’s call for peace.

One of the most impactful moments of the Durbar was a dramatic performance by local students, who acted out scenes illustrating the havoc wrought by the misuse of firearms. The performance highlighted how small arms destabilize communities, harm families, and fuel violence, delivering a compelling message that resonated deeply with the audience.

During the Durbar, key figures, including Mr. Samuel Williams Yeboah, Executive Secretary of NACSA, joined other community leaders on stage to reaffirm their commitment to tackling small arms proliferation. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between local communities, authorities, and international partners in building a safer, more secure environment.

The SALIENT fund, implemented by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme and funded by Finland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, and Switzerland, is instrumental in addressing the root causes of armed violence. By offering sustained financing, the project contributes to sustainable security and development in regions most affected by small arms and light weapons.