Ghana has intensified efforts to limit the proliferation of small arms and light weapons with a sod-cutting ceremony for a modern armoury at the Army Peace Operations Training School in Bundase.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen weapons accountability and prevent illicit diversion.
Funded by the United States Government, with technical support from The HALO Trust, the project is expected to enhance Ghana’s arms control framework through improved storage and management systems.
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of NACSA, Dr Adam A. A. Bonaa, stressed the urgency of addressing weaknesses in stockpile security, noting that such gaps continue to fuel the spread of illicit arms across the sub-region.
He described the new facility as a preventive measure designed to ensure that weapons held by the state are securely stored, properly tracked, and responsibly managed throughout their lifecycle.
“Effective stockpile management is a critical pillar in the fight against the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” he said, adding that improved infrastructure would significantly reduce the risk of diversion into unauthorised hands.
Dr Bonaa further noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to establish a National Arms Marking and Destruction Centre, which would complement measures to track, secure, and safely dispose of obsolete weapons.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Gbetanu, said the armoury would enhance operational efficiency within the Ghana Armed Forces by improving safety standards in the storage and maintenance of weapons.
He stated that the facility, which includes an armoury, workshop, and armourer’s office, would strengthen internal accountability systems and support Ghana’s role in international peacekeeping.
The Programme Manager for Weapons and Ammunition Management for Coastal West Africa at The HALO Trust, Mr James Scott, described the project as a landmark intervention and the first of its kind undertaken by the organisation in Ghana.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would expand, with additional initiatives planned to build national capacity in weapons and ammunition management.
He pledged to ensure that the completed facility meets international best practices and serves as a benchmark for effective weapons management in West Africa.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
