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Ghana hosts High-Level Regional Meeting on Combating Firearms Trafficking
Ghana has taken a significant step in the fight against illicit firearms trafficking by hosting a 3-day high-level Regional Planning Meeting for Operation KAFO VI in Accra, which aims at dismantling arms networks and enhancing regional security.
Addressing participants, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, noted that “let this planning meeting not be remembered as another workshop. Let it be remembered as the beginning of a new phase in regional enforcement where we do not merely react to threats, but anticipate, prevent and dismantle them. We must see it through with unity, integrity and urgency.”
He stated that the meeting focuses on coordinating joint efforts to combat firearms trafficking and associated threats throughout the West African Sub-region and that Operation KAFO VI emphasises understanding the threat before it reaches borders and also empowers law enforcement officers with data, training and cooperation mechanisms.
Muntaka Mubarak added that the comprehensive training programme integrated into Operation KAFO VI will provide regional training of trainers, national-level capacity building and standardised tools for operational plans and threat assessments.
The operation also promotes gender balance, encouraging the inclusion of more qualified women in all areas, from planning to operations.
The meeting is expected to assist participating countries in identifying key border points for intervention and developing a united and strategic response to arms trafficking and violent extremism. The operation aims to build trust between national authorities, agencies and partners and to facilitate the sharing of intelligence and best practices.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Ghana, Mr. Christoph Capelle, stated that the Regional Planning Meeting marks another milestone in the fight against illegal arms and crime in West Africa.
He noted that UNODC is providing technical assistance to Ghana because collaboration is essential and no country or agency can combat illicit firearms and crime alone, as the situation has become transnational and complex, requiring a collective effort.
The meeting is expected to bring together representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Diplomatic corps and participants from Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Togo.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
