All Ghanaian students, especially those in senior high schools, have been charged with the responsibility of exposing students who they find possessing weapons in schools.

During the launch of the “Sav Schools Outreach Programme” at O'Reilly Senior High School in Accra, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr Munawaru Issahaque, said this will foster learning environments devoid of violence among students.

“You are the voices that can shift attitudes, challenge the status quo, and inspire action. When you advocate for safer schools, you are sending a powerful message that every life matters, that violence has no place in our future,” he said.

The initiative is led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana in partnership with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCSALW).

The UNDP Ghana’s Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance, Dr Edward Ampratwum, proposed a collaborative effort involving various sectors of society to tackle violence.

He stressed the need for rapid reforms in firearm legislation and greater backing for the Commission's work.

Months ago, a 16-year-old form two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) was arrested by the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command for illegally possessing a locally manufactured firearm.

The police arrested the suspect following a routine dormitory search by school authorities on Wednesday, May 14.

According to the accused, the weapon belonged to his stepfather, Mr. Daniel Owusu Baafi, who has been apprehended.

This was disclosed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, on Sunday, May 18.

Following their arrest, both individuals were granted bail and are to report to the police on Monday, May 19, as investigations continue.The illegal possession of guns has become a common trend in Ghana.

Experts have called for stricter punishments for culprits.

Speaking to The Independent Ghana, the Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPME) at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Gyebi Asante, highlighted the urgent need to review existing laws governing firearms possession to better align with current security challenges.

“We are advocating for the law to be reviewed to suit the current situation and also be able to align with our current dispensation. It is something we have taken steps to do," he said.