CSOs upset over Small Arms Commission’s no-show at UNPoA dialogue

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana have voiced significant disappointment following the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons' (NACSA) eleventh-hour withdrawal from a crucial stakeholder dialogue in Accra. The meeting, organized Tuesday, was intended to provide updates on Ghana's progress in controlling small arms and light weapons implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UNPoA) ahead of a UN conference in New York.

The dialogue was a collaborative effort by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). CSOs had been informed that the commission was prepared to participate and present its efforts to combat illegal weapons proliferation. Its absence, therefore, was unexpected and drew criticism from attendees.

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It was important to bring together duty bearers and civil society organisations to discuss Ghana’s implementation efforts.

Johnson Asante-Twum, Managing Director of IANSA, described the commission's no-show as unfortunate. He stressed the necessity for stakeholders to receive briefings on Ghana's UNPoA implementation and preparations for the upcoming UN meeting. Asante-Twum highlighted that the conference would evaluate countries' progress, challenges, and opportunities for international cooperation in tackling illegal arms. "It was important to bring together duty bearers and civil society organisations to discuss Ghana’s implementation efforts," he stated.

He added that CSOs would explore alternative avenues to engage with the commission, emphasizing that arms control is a matter of national importance. "I say this with a heavy heart. Civil society has gathered here, but the national authority decided not to show up. That is concerning because they are representing the people and must first engage us before speaking at the UN," Asante-Twum remarked. Theodora W. Anti, Executive Director of FOSDA, noted that the dialogue served as a vital platform for reflection, accountability, and action within the UNPoA framework. She indicated that the meeting provided an opportunity to assess Ghana's progress, identify shortcomings, and discuss urgent measures to enhance arms control. Anti underscored that the UNPoA is more than a reporting mechanism; it is a tool for accountability. She mentioned that Ghana's national reports indicated the recent collection of over 2,000 firearms through national operations and amnesty programs, a development she believes should concern all stakeholders. According to her, the engagement was essential to scrutinize the effectiveness of existing laws, institutions, border controls, and stockpile management systems in ensuring public safety.

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I say this with a heavy heart. Civil society has gathered here, but the national authority decided not to show up. That is concerning because they are representing the people and must first engage us before speaking at the UN.