Ghana is hosting a five-day regional workshop on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation from the 5th to 9th of May 2025 with the aim to strengthen national and regional capacities to combat the illicit flow of arms across West Africa.
The event brings together security experts, policymakers and representatives from multiple African nations to enhance their understanding of the ATT and to bolster implementation efforts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday in Accra, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, expressed pride in Ghana’s role as host and affirmed the nation’s commitment to the ATT’s core principles: transparency, accountability, and the prevention of human suffering caused by illicit arms flows.
“Ghana is proud to be among the early signatories of the ATT and has been working diligently to domesticate its provisions,” Mr. Terlabi stated.
 “This workshop is not merely a technical event, it is a demonstration of our shared responsibility to uphold peace, security, and responsible arms control across the region,” he added.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that Ghana was actively working on a draft Arms Bill and a National Control List, both currently under review for Cabinet approval. These efforts aim to modernize and align the country’s arms legislation with global best practices.
The Head of the Arms Trade Treaty Secretariat, Ms. Carina Solmirano, commended Ghana’s leadership in hosting the workshop and described it as a significant step toward enhancing regional understanding and action regarding the ATT.
She urged participants to become ambassadors of the ATT within their respective nations, noting that the workshop aligns with a global initiative to promote responsible trade in conventional arms particularly in regions prone to political instability and armed conflict.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr. Adam Bonaa, stressed the urgent need for effective firearms regulation in Ghana.
“About nine out of ten violent crimes in Ghana today involve illicit firearms, many of which are unregistered and smuggled into the country.”
“We must pass the Arms Bill to protect our citizens and prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands,” he added.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
