Ghana hosts regional workshop to strengthen Arms Trade Treaty implementation

Ghana is hosting the second regional Train-the-Trainers Workshop under the Arms Trade Treaty Implementation Support Project (ATT-ISP), with the goal of enhancing national and regional capacities to combat the illicit flow of arms across West Africa.

The workshop, taking place from May 5 to 9, 2025, in Accra, brings together security experts, policymakers, and representatives from several African countries to deepen their understanding of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and strengthen implementation efforts at the national level.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, expressed the government’s pride in hosting the event and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the ATT’s core principles of transparency, accountability, and the prevention of human suffering caused by illicit arms flows.

“This workshop is not merely a technical event,” the minister noted.

“It is a demonstration of our shared responsibility to uphold peace, security, and responsible arms control across the region.”

He revealed that Ghana is actively working to domesticate the ATT’s provisions, with a Draft Arms Bill and a National Control List currently under review for Cabinet approval.

These efforts aim to modernize and align Ghana’s arms legislation with global best practices.

The Train-the-Trainers format of the workshop is designed to multiply impact by equipping regional participants with not only technical knowledge but also soft skills such as communication and training delivery.

Participants will go on to train others in their respective countries, thereby strengthening national systems of arms control.

Dr Adam Bonaa, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), emphasized the urgency of regulating firearms in Ghana.

“About 9 out of 10 violent crimes in Ghana today involve illicit firearms—many of which are unregistered and smuggled into the country,” he said.

“We must pass the Arms Bill to protect our citizens and prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands.”

Dr Bonaa stressed that the workshop’s significance lies in its long-term impact.

“You can’t train everyone at once, so we train trainers who will go on to multiply knowledge and build regional resilience,” he stated.

Carina Solmirano, Head of the ATT Secretariat, assured participants of the training’s relevance and effectiveness.

She underscored the importance of international cooperation and local ownership in achieving the treaty’s objectives.

The workshop is supported by the European Union, which has been a major partner in global efforts to improve arms control and promote peace and security through the ATT framework.


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