Ghana--Christians Worried About Small Arms Proliferation

Accra Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Radio Network in English 1300 GMT 10 Aug 99

[FBIS Transcribed Text] The Christian Council of Ghana has urged   government to review the number of organizations allowed to carry small arms to ensure that such weapons are given to only those directly involved in maintaining national security. In a statement issued in Accra today, the council also expressed worry at the recent spate of violent crimes, saying it undermines personal security and discourages investors.

The statement called on the government to retrieve arms from former revolutionaries, who may still be possessing arms illegally. It said the transregional and transnational entry of small arms into the country through the activities of armed gangs across borders should be stopped.

The statement further urged the government to set up a national committee that can help in the implementation of the Malian Initiative  recently adopted by ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] on micro disarmament in the subregion. According to the initiative, citizens are to be educated on the misuse of small arms. 

[Description of Source: Accra Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Radio Network in English--State-owned, government-controlled radio]