For Immediate Release
Accra,7
7th April, 2025

FOSDA Urges Immediate Action to Combat Gun Violence Among Youth
The tragic case of the 16-year-old student involved in gun violence at the Adventist Senior
High School in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana, is as a pressing reminder of the need
for comprehensive arms control and regulation in the country. The incident highlights the
alarming easy accessibility and availability of firearms in Ghana, posing a significant threat
to peace and security in the country.
FOSDA’s Media Monitoring of Violent Incident Report for the fourth quarter of 2024
recorded 30 cases of gun-related violence, representing 25% of the total cases recorded
during this period. This marks a 7% increase of gun-violence recorded for the third quarter
of 2024, where there were 19 cases of gun-related violence.
Even though the increase in gun-related violence can be attributed to the 2024 general
elections and escalation of the Bawku violence during that period, the situation did not
improved remarkedly. FOSDA has recorded 27 cases of gun-related violence for the first
quarter (January to March) of 2025.
FOSDA strongly urge the National Commission on Small Arms, the Ministry of The Interior
and other related Government agencies to prioritize the effective regulation of arms as well
as the local production of armes in the country. We call on government to as a matter of
urgency review the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act of 2007, as
well as the Arms and Ammunition Decree of 1972 (NRCD 9), to ensure they address current
challenges effectively. Additionally, passing the National Arms Control List is crucial to
establishing a more robust regulatory framework that can help curb the circulation of illegal
firearms and enhance public safety.
Implementing the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) would be a vital step in reinforcing Ghana’s
commitment to regulating arms transfers and preventing illegal trade. By aligning national
legislation with international standards, Ghana can better control the flow of weapons and
ensure comprehensive monitoring and reporting of arms transactions. This approach not
only strengthens domestic control measures but also contributes to international efforts in
reducing gun violence and maintaining peace and security.
It is crucial that Ghana aligns its local legislation with international standards to strengthen
Ghana’s regulatory framework and also enhance cooperation with global partners in
combating illegal arms trade.

Theodora W. Anti
Executive Director
Contact No. 0205336268
Email: Theodora@fosda.org

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