Ghana is set to host a high-level National Consultation meeting on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA), as part of efforts to mitigate the devastating impact of explosive weapons on civilian lives worldwide.
The event, to be organised by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) in partnership with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Article 36, will bring together key government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners.
In a press statement issued on Monday, NACSA stated that the consultation is expected to be opened by the Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and graced by the Ambassadors of Austria, Ireland, and Norway.
The statement added that the meeting aims to build a national consensus ahead of the two-day Africa Regional Workshop on EWIPA, scheduled for April in Accra.
The meeting will focus on the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians arising from the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, adopted in Dublin in 2022.
“Although not legally binding, the Declaration represents a strong political commitment by states to reduce civilian harm by reviewing military policies and practices, improving civilian harm data collection, facilitating humanitarian access, supporting victims, and enhancing international cooperation”, the statement read.
According to NASCA, to date, 90 states, including several African countries, have endorsed the Declaration. Ghana’s engagement in the consultation signals its commitment to advancing civilian protection, strengthening its role as a credible partner on peace and security issues, and preparing to co-host the upcoming regional workshop.
NACSA highlighted that as conflicts increasingly affect urban and populated areas, Ghana’s proactive measures on EWIPA reflect the centrality of civilian protection to peace, security, and sustainable development in Africa.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
