The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has warned the public against carrying firearms to funerals, festivals and other public gatherings, describing the practice as unlawful and a serious threat to public safety.
The caution follows the tragic death of the Mmratehene of the Ayanfuri Traditional Area in the Diaso District of the Central Region, Nana Kwabena Okyere, who reportedly died after a pump-action gun was accidentally discharged during a funeral ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2026.
Speaking to Adom News, the Acting Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) at the Commission, Gyebi Asante, stressed that the unauthorized use or display of firearms at public events violates Ghana’s laws.
“Sending guns to festivals, funerals and other public celebrations without authorization is unlawful and dangerous. Anyone who intends to use a firearm in public must first obtain approval from the Police and the Inspector-General of Police,” he stated.
He urged the public to exercise restraint and prioritise safety during social and cultural events to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Also speaking on the issue, the Managing Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), Johnson Asante-Twum, noted that Ghana’s laws prohibit the public display of firearms without lawful authority.
“The law is very clear on this matter. Displaying or using firearms in public without lawful authorization is an offence, and offenders risk imprisonment,” he warned.
The incident has renewed concerns over the increasing use of firearms at funerals and festivals across parts of the country, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of arms regulations to protect lives.
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