Security officials have expressed surprise at the sophisticated nature of seized weapons used by armed robbers in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.
The weapons discovered include two AK 47 assault rifles, 12 G3 armor used exclusively by the military, 17 baical guns, 1 pump-action gun, 2 short guns, 24 pieces of AAA cartridges and 14 55AM cartridges.
G3 armor in particular can fire 500-600 rounds per minute and can kill from a range of 3,750 metres.
The weapons were seized from members of a gun running syndicate operating in the Ashanti Region. Three members of the gang have been arrested and the police say, they are mounting a man-hunt for the remaining members of the syndicate behind the large cache of arms and ammunition.
Ashanti Regional Police Director of Public Affairs, ASP Mohammed Tanko explained that the police followed up on intelligence information and arrested the three at Abuakwa at 4pm Thursday. The three led the police to the manufacturing site for small arms where the other sophisticated weapons were discovered.
A security analyst, Professor Kwesi Aning, explained on Joy News that although there was an import regime that allowed some companies to routinely bring in guns, oversight checks were becoming lax. This has led to an escalation of gun-running across the country.
He revealed that Ghana is one of the world’s largest importer of domestic explosives meant to be used by mining firms.
He said there was, however, evidence that dubious companies were abusing and exploiting the importation of ammunition for nefarious activities.
He said the police ought to check with the Ministry of the Interior to review the validity of licenses issued to importers because it will be impossible to bring in guns without weaknesses in government.
