Ghana is sitting on a ticking time bomb as it continues to confront modern crimes in 2025 with outdated laws from as far as 1972.
Security experts are sounding an alarm about the critical need for legal reforms to address evolving crime patterns, particularly in relation to small arms and light weapons.
Speaking at the WANSA-Ghana evening encounter on the theme “Enhancing Advocacy and Lobby Capacity for Reforms in Small Arms and Light Weapons in Ghana”, the Managing Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), Johnson Asante-Twum, highlighted the country’s failure to update its legal framework to keep pace with advancements in crime and technology.
According to him, the inability to revise these laws is exposing Ghana to significant security risks, making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat crime.
He pointed out that while criminals are becoming more sophisticated, the nation’s outdated regulations remain largely ineffective in addressing emerging threats.
One of the most alarming issues raised by Asante-Twum is the absence of a legal limit on the number of firearms an individual can own.
He expressed concerns that, if left unchecked, this loophole could allow individuals to build personal armories, potentially fuelling crime, armed violence, and insecurity.
“The laws currently in place do not specify the maximum number of weapons an individual can own. This means a single person could legally acquire and stockpile a large number of firearms without any restrictions. In a country where we are already struggling with illegal arms proliferation, this is extremely dangerous,” he warned.
Asante-Twum further stressed the urgent need to review existing gun laws and introduce stricter regulations on firearm ownership.
He called for measures to prevent the unauthorised stockpiling of weapons, which could lead to increased criminal activities and pose a serious threat to national security.
Beyond security concerns, the expert also highlighted the economic burden that poor regulation of arms ownership places on the country.
He explained that the lack of control and proper monitoring mechanisms is resulting in huge financial losses for the state, particularly in dealing with the consequences of gun-related crimes.
Additionally, he lamented the absence of competency training facilities for firearm owners. According to him, many people who legally own weapons lack the necessary training to handle them safely, thereby increasing the risk of accidental shootings and improper use.
“The government must prioritise the establishment of training facilities for individuals who possess firearms. Without proper training, gun owners may inadvertently cause harm to themselves or others,” he said.
Asante-Twum urged the government to take immediate action to reform Ghana’s laws on arms control. He called for a review of the 1972 legislation to align it with modern realities, ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the legal backing required to effectively combat crime.
The expert emphasised the need for increased advocacy and lobbying efforts to push for legislative changes.
He urged civil society organisations, policymakers, and security agencies to work together to draft new laws that address the current security challenges.
As Ghana grapples with rising crime rates and the proliferation of illegal weapons, stakeholders in the security sector are calling for a comprehensive approach to arms control.
This includes updating existing laws, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and investing in modern crime-fighting technologies.
Security analysts argue that without urgent reforms, the country risks becoming a haven for arms trafficking, organised crime, and armed violence.
They are urging the government to treat security reforms as a national priority to safeguard the safety and well-being of its citizens.
With crime continually evolving, the question remains: How long can Ghana continue to tackle modern threats with outdated laws before the situation spirals out of control?
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