NACSA Urges Traditional Authorities to Ban Firearms at Festivals After Deadly Teshie Clash

JHNews || The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has issued a strong appeal to traditional leaders across Ghana to immediately prohibit the use and display of firearms during cultural celebrations and festivals. This call follows a violent outbreak during the Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony in Teshie on Wednesday, August 27, which resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries.

NACSA expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended its condolences to the bereaved families and the Teshie Traditional Area. The Commission also wished a swift recovery to those injured.

This tragedy echoes recent firearm-related incidents at traditional events, including the accidental shooting of a Queen mother during her installation ceremony and a journalist nearly losing her eyesight at a festival.

In a statement, NACSA condemned the recurring misuse of firearms at public gatherings and urged traditional authorities to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life. The Commission emphasized that a single firearm accident could claim anyone’s life—even community leaders.

While NACSA has submitted an Arms Bill to the Minister for the Interior to enhance firearm regulations, the Commission stressed that an immediate ban is essential to safeguard communities and preserve the cultural integrity of festivities.

NACSA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with traditional rulers, security agencies, and civil society to promote awareness of firearm dangers and advance regulatory reforms aligned with global standards.

The Commission concluded by calling on all citizens to value life and adopt peaceful conflict resolution methods to ensure Ghana’s cultural traditions remain untainted by violence.