Daily Graphic

The Graphic in its lead story, reports that the Tamale Police in the Northern Region, have directed all persons in possession of arms, to surrender them to the police for safe-keeping. The Police Command quoted as warning that anybody, irrespective of his or her social status, in possession of arms of any kind, who fails to comply with the directive, will be dealt with according to the law.

The paper says the directive comes in the wake of a shooting incident at Vittin, a Tamale suburb, in which two children lost their lives. It was reported that 16-year-old Kofi Owuo Adom, shot and killed Nana Kwasi Gyabaah, six, with his father?s gun, last Friday and on realising what he had done, he shot himself in the head.

The Graphic says the directive reminded residents in the region that the ban on the possession of arms of any kind is still in force, quoting the Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Isaac Offei. Under an Executive Instrument passed in accordance with the Police Order Act, o person is allowed to manufacture, possess or carry arms and ammunition in the Northern Region. The legislation was passed when conflict broke out in parts of the region in 1994.