Trafficking of illegal firearms increased by 300% in first half of 2022

Reported cases of illegal arms trafficking, possession, and unauthorised use increased by over 300% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, the Ghana Public Safety and Crime report has shown.

Speaking on the findings of the report, the executive director of the Bureau of Public Safety, Nana Yaw Akwada said, “It is worthy to note that in the first half of 2022, reported incidents of armed trafficking, possession and unauthorised use in Ghana increase over 300%.”

“This is the same period in 2021; over the same period in 2021, the seeming free mass circulation of firearms appears to have influenced or impacted the violent crime realm, leading to a continual rise in the use of firearms to commit crimes. This was up by 4% in 2022,” he added.

Akwada also said the current trend could rise further if relevant security stakeholders do not focus on driving home the various security programmes.

He also urged security officials to view the current development within the context of the general security situation in the West African sub-region.

Akwada added: “…Unless these agencies [security agencies] drive home the numerous plans and programs that we have pursued over the years. They drive home these programmes conclusively, the trend will continue to rise. This has a tendency to not only impact on social peace and investor confidence but ultimately the peace and security of the state.”

“We must look at this emerging trend or development within the contest of what is happening in the sub-region,” he said.

Source: Asaase Radio Online