The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the "Silence the Gun to Save a Life" campaign on Wednesday in Accra.

The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the dangers posed by illicit small arms and promote peace and security across Ghana. The campaign is seen as a critical step towards addressing the alarming rise in gun violence, both within the country and the wider West African region.

Speaking at the press briefing, UNDP Resident Representative Niloy Banerjee underscored the pressing issue of arms diversion in Africa.

“The diversion of arms fuels impunity, violence, and the mentality that ‘might is right,’" Mr. Banerjee stated. He added that this mindset exacerbates conflicts and negatively affects the continent’s progress.

"The availability of small arms accounts for countless needless deaths, often creating tensions that escalate into conflict. Illicit weapons circulate easily, especially through our porous borders," he said.

Banerjee emphasized the socio-economic consequences of small arms proliferation, which not only threaten individual safety but also destabilize entire communities. He called for collective action, highlighting the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Ghanaian government’s efforts to control the flow of illicit arms through capacity building and public awareness campaigns. “This initiative is essential for creating a secure and enabling environment where communities can live free from fear," he remarked.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms, Mr. Samuel Williams Yeboah, expressed his concern about the widespread availability of small arms, which he said is not just a symptom of broader conflicts but a root cause of violence.

“Small arms have become tools of terror, affecting the most vulnerable members of our society—women, children, the elderly, and the disabled,” Yeboah stated.

Mr. Yeboah stressed the devastating impact of small arms on social cohesion, pointing out how gun violence disrupts communities, prevents businesses from flourishing, and erodes trust.

He warned that if action is not taken urgently, the proliferation of small arms will continue to jeopardize Ghana’s future. “The presence of illicit arms leads to more than just violent clashes; it fosters a climate of fear and stifles economic development,” Yeboah added.

The “Silence the Gun to Save a Life” campaign seeks to break the cycle of violence through education, awareness, and community engagement.

Both Mr. Banerjee and Mr.Yeboah emphasised that the success of the initiative relies on the collective efforts of the government, civil society, and every Ghanaian.

They urged all sectors, including traditional leaders, religious organizations, and the media, to rally behind the campaign and contribute to creating a culture of peace.

As the country prepares for its upcoming elections in 2024, both leaders called on citizens to uphold Ghana’s values of peaceful coexistence. Yeboah concluded his speech with a powerful reminder: “Peace is not merely the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice, equity, and opportunity for all.”

The "Silence the Gun to Save a Life" campaign represents a significant step in Ghana’s fight against gun violence, aiming to foster a safer, more secure nation for future generations.