PREAMBLE
The National Consultation on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Use of Explosive
Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) took place on 18th February, 2026 at the Palms by Eagles
Hotel in Accra. The event was convened by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light
Weapons (NACSA) and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) in
partnership with Article 36, Disarmament and Arms Control (DAC) and the Governments of Austria,
Ireland and Norway.

The Consultation served as a high-level national dialogue among relevant Government Ministries,
Security Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Diplomatic Missions and International Experts. It
forms a critical step in Ghana’s preparations to co-host the Africa Regional Workshop on EWIPA
in April 2026. Participants assessed the Political Declaration on EWIPA, examined the humanitarian
consequences of using explosive weapons in populated areas, and explored Ghana’s pathway towards
its endorsement and her role as a continental leader.

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