Commission lauds ban on firearms at festivals

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has commended Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, Omanhene of Akuapem Tradition Area, on his decision to ban the use of firearms at the impending Odwira and Ohum festivals.

A letter signed by Mr Jones Applerh, Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, to the Okuapehene, and copied to the GNA said,”Indeed your directive has come at a time when the Commission is considering ways it could engage with all traditional authorities to find solution to the abuse of firearms during traditional activities, which has resulted in many fatalities."

The letter said: "Your proactive action of issuing this directive in order to avert any further casualties in your traditional area during these festivals is most commendable."

Mr Applerh explained that the Chief’s directive was also in accordance with Section 7(1) of the Arms and Ammunition Decree, 1972, which prohibits the public display or discharge of any firearm or weapon in any public space except with the written consent of the Inspector General of Police.

"The Commission views your action as a clear example of how traditional authorities could support it in the fight against the abuse and proliferation of small arms in our country and we hope that other traditional authorities will follow your example," it said

The Commission expressed its delight to collaborate with the Chief and other traditional authorities to develop guidelines for the use of firearms during traditional activities in the future.

The Daily Guide reported on August 29 that the Okuapehene announced the ban when the chiefs and people of the area gathered for the celebration of Awukudae Kese (Adae Butu) on August 28.

The Okuapehene, according to the paper, cited injuries and deaths resulting from the use of the firearms as the reason for the ban.

Three people were reportedly injured at the Odwira durbar in 2013, while a linguist also lost his life in a similar event in the Akyem area.

The firing of musketry is a common feature in traditional festivals across Ghana.