The chiefs of Asogli have called on the Ministry of the Interior through the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons to extend the amnesty date for the voluntary handing over of guns.
The Ministry had set December 1, 2024, to January 15, this year, as the amnesty window.
“The extension of the amnesty period is necessary because the campaign message of the amnesty has still not reached many gun owners in many communities,” the Dufia of Ho-Heve, Togbe Anikpi III, said.
He made the appeal when a delegation from the commission, led by the Executive Secretary, Dr Adam A. A. Bonaa, paid a courtesy call on the Asogli Palace at Ho-Bankoe last Tuesday to explain the need to retrieve all illegal weapons from the populace.
Togbe Anikpi said many homes in the Volta Region harboured unregistered firearms, which were being kept surreptitiously.
The amnesty, he said, was therefore an opportunity for the owners of those weapons to hand them over without any hitches.
Radio stations
Togbe Anikpi III also entreated the commission to take advantage of the numerous radio stations in the region to reach out to the people with the amnesty message.
He also urged the media to vigorously support the exercise in the broader national interest.
Togbe Anikpi further pledged that the chiefs of Asogli would throw their weight behind the exercise to ensure its success.
For his part, Dr Adam A. A. Bonaa said it was gratifying that the chiefs had pledged their support, noting that this would help deliver early and positive results.
He cited the shooting incident at the Ho Central Mosque on Boxing Day last year, saying it was made possible by the availability of firearms in the wrong hands.
“There are now too many illicit weapons in homes and communities, and that poses danger to the nation,” he pointed out.
Dr Bonaa reiterated that those who surrendered their weapons within the amnesty window from December 1, 2024, to January 15, this year, would not be arrested.
However, he said those who failed to surrender their weapons would be prosecuted.
Disputes
Touching on chieftaincy disputes, Dr Bonaa said guns were not supposed to be kept in palaces.
“We need our chiefs to set good examples in the campaign for peace,” he added.
The visiting team earlier paid a similar visit to the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, at the Ho residency.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
