Ghanaian dancehall musician Ras Kuuku has waded into the recent ongoing social media ‘toy gun challenge’ in Kumasi, labelling it as ‘dangerous.’The 'toy gun trend' began in the Ashanti Region, Kumasi, among young people who gathered in public to stage playful shootouts with water guns and plastic toy guns in late October.

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It later gained popularity on social media; some celebrities like Medikal and Kofi Mole, including Dancegod Llyod, joined the challenge. However, reggae and dancehall artist Ras Kuuku has condemned the trend, citing the danger associated with playing with guns, whether real or fake.Speaking in an interview on 3FM on November 26, 2024, he stated that this new trend would be exploited by some unscrupulous individuals to stage crimes.

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He urged those involved to abandon the trend."You see that gun challenge going on? I want people to know they shouldn’t play with it, and nobody should support that. Anything that involves guns must be treated with great caution. That’s why our forefathers said, 'The inside of a gun is dark.'" Ras Kuuku stated.

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Given the dangers associated with guns, the Ghana Police Service, in a swift response, has arrested about 26 individuals in connection with toy gun challenges.Reports indicate that several individuals were apprehended for displaying and carelessly firing toy guns in public, creating fear and panic.The police, after making the arrests, have reassured the public of their dedication to upholding peace and security across the country.

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The suspects are currently cooperating with police investigations and are expected to be prosecuted in court soon.

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