Leave your guns at home during funerals, festivals - Commission warns

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons is cautioning Ghanaians against carrying firearms to funerals, festivals, and other public gatherings.

It has warned that the practice is illegal and poses a serious threat to public safety.

The warning follows the death of the Mmratehene of the Ayanfuri Traditional Area, Nana Kwabena Okyere, who reportedly died on May 9, 2026, after a pump-action gun discharged accidentally during a funeral in the Diaso District of the Central Region, according to a report by adomonline.com on May 13, 2026.

Former Asante Akim North MP breaks silence on MP OK Frimpong's 'arrest'

The Acting Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) at the Commission, Gyebi Asante, stated that taking firearms to public celebrations without authorisation is both unlawful and dangerous.

“It is unlawful and dangerous to send guns to funerals, festivals, and other public events. Anyone who wants to use a firearm in public must first get approval from the Police and the Inspector-General of Police,” Asante told Adom News.

He urged the public to prioritise safety during cultural and social events in order to prevent avoidable deaths and injuries.

The Managing Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), Johnson Asante-Twum, also stressed that Ghana’s laws prohibit the public display or use of firearms without lawful authorisation.

“Displaying or using firearms in public without lawful permission is an offence. Those caught risk jail time,” he warned.

The incident at Ayanfuri has renewed public debate over the increasing trend of firing guns at funerals and festivals, with growing calls for stricter enforcement of firearms regulations to protect lives and maintain public safety.

NAD/VPO

Former Asante Akim North MP breaks silence on MP OK Frimpong’s ‘arrest’