The West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund Project has organized a media empowerment workshop on the National Small Arms Bill 2023.
The workshop aimed to equip journalists in the Ashanti Region with the knowledge and skills to report on small arms and light weapons issues effectively.
According to Mr. Ken Kinney, President of WAANSA Ghana, the organization recognizes the importance of media partnership in advocating against the proliferation of illicit small arms, light weapons, ammunition, and explosives in Ghana and the ECOWAS sub-region. He noted that the Ashanti Region has recently experienced the devastating effects of explosives, and there are ongoing violent conflicts in the northern part of Ghana and other parts of West Africa, fueled by easy access to small arms, ammunition, and explosives.
Mr. Kinney expressed the view that to bring good governance into the arms, ammunition, and explosives sector, the Government of Ghana established the National Small Arms Commission by Act 736 of 2007. However, the commission has not been given full powers as a regulator. He added that Ghana has signed international conventions to control illicit arms, including the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Trade Treaty, but these conventions have yet to be reflected in domestic laws.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, WAANSA Ghana/UNDP Fund Project Coordinator and Facilitator, emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions on small arms and light weapons. He noted that irresponsible reporting can exacerbate conflict and violence, and promoting peace and security requires empowering the media and enhancing accountability in reporting.
Mr. Ameyibor identified several challenges facing media reportage of small arms and light weapons, including limited access to information, lack of expertise, pressure from special interest groups, risk of harm or intimidation, and complexity of issues. He recommended that media outlets and journalists receive training and capacity building on small arms and light weapons issues and be held accountable for their reporting.
In conclusion, Mr. Ameyibor stressed that empowering the media and enhancing accountability in reportage of small arms and light weapons is crucial for promoting peace and security. By promoting responsible and accurate reporting, we can reduce the spread of misinformation and promote a more peaceful and secure world.
Source:Ayisah Foster||The Punch newspaper
