The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has raised alarm over the alarming number of untraceable small arms and light weapons circulating in Ghana, posing a significant threat to national security.

According to the commission, out of the total 2.3 million small arms and light weapons currently in circulation, over 1.1 million cannot be adequately tracked or monitored.

Speaking at a regional conference addressing the humanitarian impact of improvised anti-personnel mines, Frank Boateng Asumani, the Head of the National Arms Marking Programme at the Commission, highlighted the urgency of addressing the proliferation of these unaccounted weapons.

He disclosed that efforts are underway to curb their circulation and enhance security measures.

"Presently, there are 2.3 million small and light weapons in circulation, with only 1.2 million being legally registered. The remaining 1.1 million are unaccounted for, prompting the commission to seek funding to assess the extent of proliferation within the system. These include AK47s, pistols, pump-action guns, and locally manufactured firearms," stated Asumani.

The revelation underscores the need for robust measures to address illegal arms trafficking and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

The unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a grave threat to public safety and stability, as they can fuel armed conflicts, criminal activities, and undermine peace and security efforts.

In response to the growing concerns, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged nations, including Libya, Egypt, and Morocco, to prioritize ratifying the convention banning anti-personnel mines.

Dr Bawumia emphasized the importance of preventing the humanitarian consequences associated with these weapons, underscoring the need for international cooperation to address shared security challenges.

The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with regional and international partners, is expected to intensify efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking, enhance border security, and strengthen legal frameworks to regulate the possession and transfer of firearms.

Such initiatives are crucial to safeguarding national security and promoting peace and stability in the region.