No individual licensed to manufacture weapons in Ghana – Adam Bona

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr Adam Bonaa, has clarified that no individual or institution in Ghana has been authorized to manufacture weapons of any kind.

Speaking on The Ultimate Drive with Berry, Dr Bonaa said NACSA’s core mandate is to educate the public on the dangers of firearms—licensed or unlicensed—as part of efforts to curb gun-related crimes.

He revealed that the Ashanti Region recorded the highest cases of gun-related incidents in the first and second quarters of the year, blaming the situation on the failure of previous administrations to implement stronger regulations.

He expressed concern that NACSA lacks enforcement powers, unlike other regulatory bodies such as the NCA, and described Ghana’s gun laws as outdated.

“The gun laws we have in this country are older than some of us here, and they no longer meet the needs of our time,” he said.

Dr Bonaa, however, said he was optimistic that reforms under President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda and the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto will strengthen firearm regulations.

He pointed to recent arrests and the recovery of firearms in the Ashanti Region, stressing that government remains committed to clamping down on illegal weapons.

Drawing parallels with progress in the fight against illegal mining, he urged Ghanaians to remain patient and supportive of ongoing measures.

“It is not as if nothing is being done. Just as we are seeing progress in the fight against galamsey, we will soon see real changes in the regulation of firearms. Let us all play our part in building the peaceful, united, and attractive Ghana that we all desire,” he advised.

He ended with a call for unity and patriotism.

“We cannot fail this country. Ghana is sweet, and we must do everything humanly possible to make it a better place where peace, love, and unity thrive drawing more tourists and opportunities to our land”.