Illegal arms and dealers to be banned

The Police Administration on Saturday warned licensed Arms and Ammunition dealers that anyone involved in illegal transactions would be banned.

In addition their stocks would be seized and their shops and magazines closed down.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) David S. Eklu of the Police Public Relations Directorate noted that stringent rules, regulations and procedures on the purchase, possession, transfer and the use of arms and ammunition are being flouted by arms dealers.

It said it is an offence to purchase and keep arms and ammunition from dealers and other persons without a permit from the police and advised those desirous of owing arms to contact the police for advice.

The statement reminded the public that it is a serious offence for any blacksmith or any person to manufacture any type of arms and asked those involved in such trades to stop immediately.

It appealed to the public to report illegal manufacturers of arms to the nearest security agency for prompt action, because a survey by the police has shown that in the course of recent armed robberies, SB shot guns and live cartridges have been used.

The statement said it has also come to the notice of the police that some Ghanaians believe they could take over arms and ammunition of their dead relatives as part of property bequeathed to them without taking steps to have these arms properly transferred as required by law.