The National Commission for Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has engaged stakeholders in the health sector on the wider impact of gun violence, highlighting the strain firearm-related incidents can place on hospitals, health workers, families and communities.
The engagement took place during the 2026 Ghana Health Service Mid-Year Performance Review and the Upper West Regional launch of the Free Primary Health Care Programme in Wa.
The Upper West Regional Office of NACSA used the gathering to draw attention to the often-overlooked link between small arms, gun violence and public health.
More than 230 participants from the health sector, traditional authorities, local government and other institutions took part in the engagement.
Representing NACSA, the Regional Programmes Officer, Basit Mohammed Yussif, said firearm-related incidents can have consequences that extend well beyond the immediate security response.
He highlighted injuries, fatalities, permanent disabilities and psychological trauma among the effects of gun violence, noting that such incidents can also increase pressure on healthcare facilities and resources.
The engagement also explored ways the health sector can contribute to preventing firearm-related violence through early warning systems, research, responsible information sharing and community-level interventions.
Particular attention was given to the Upper West Region, where its border environment makes collaboration among health, security, traditional and local authorities important in identifying and responding to emerging threats.
NACSA said stronger collaboration with the health sector could help improve understanding of the public health consequences of gun violence and support efforts to prevent firearm-related incidents at the community level.
