The recent clashes between uniformed men and civilian armed groups in the country are indicative of growing instability as we approach the December polls. A culture of arms cartels, backed by high-profile politicians and top businessmen, is exacerbating this issue.
The proliferation of weapons among civilian communities is on the rise, with sophisticated arms being smuggled through weak borders from conflict zones in the Sahelian region, often associated with terrorist groups. Statistics reveal that approximately 1.2 million illegal small and sophisticated weapons are in circulation, exacerbated by local blacksmiths manufacturing light weapons, which are in high demand.
Anthony Acquaye, a Security Policy Expert at the Centre for Security Dialogue and Peace, expressed concern about the lax control and monitoring of arms trafficking, licensing, renewals, and ownership transfers. He highlighted regions like Ashanti, Volta, Western, and Eastern as hubs for the manufacturing and distribution of light weapons.
In a separate incident, the Ghana Police Service confirmed the tragic killing of two off-duty officers in front of their residence at Block Factory, East Trassacco, Accra, on Thursday, May 2. The gunmen, who fled the scene on a motorbike without taking anything, are being pursued in an ongoing intelligence-led operation.
Additionally, a military officer was fatally shot over a land dispute in Millenium City, Kasoa, with two other officers narrowly escaping death. The officers had confronted individuals working on a land claimed to have been purchased by one of them. Despite previous reports to the police, the situation remained unresolved, leading to the tragic incident on Tuesday, April 30.
AYM Kukah. E-mail:kukahalexander7@gmail.com
