Ghana is set to host a high-level national consultative meeting on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA), as part of efforts to strengthen civilian protection amid growing global concerns over the devastating humanitarian impacts of such weapons.
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), in collaboration with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Article 36, will organise the meeting.
The announcement was made in a press release dated February 16, 2026, from NACSA.
The high-level National Consultation Meeting aims to build national consensus on strengthening the protection of civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA). It is scheduled ahead of a 2-Day Africa Regional Workshop on EWIPA, set to take place in Accra in April this year.
The meeting will bring together key government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners. It will be opened in the presence of ambassadors from Austria, Ireland, and Norway, and honoured by the Hon. Minister for the Interior.
The focus will be on the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, adopted in Dublin in 2022. Although not legally binding, the Declaration represents a strong political commitment by states to reduce civilian harm. This includes reviewing military policies and practices, improving data collection on civilian harm, facilitating humanitarian access, supporting victims, and enhancing international cooperation.
To date, 90 states have endorsed the Declaration, including several African countries.
Ghana’s engagement is a proactive step to join other states in addressing the widespread devastation caused by explosive weapons—such as bombs, artillery, rockets, and mortars—when used in cities, towns, and other populated zones. These weapons often result in high civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and long-term humanitarian crises.
The national meeting will prepare Ghana for its role as co-host of the upcoming Africa Regional Workshop on EWIPA. It is expected to strengthen Ghana’s positioning as a knowledgeable and credible partner on civilian protection issues, with potential moves toward endorsing the Declaration.
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