The Ghana Police Service has deployed officers to patrol the country and arrest people selling or using firecrackers.

Parliament in December 1999 adopted the report on the legislative instrument (LI) backing prohibition of the importation of firecrackers and display shells.

The LI, "Export and Import (prohibition of Importation) 1999, confers on the Minister of Trade, the power to ban the importation of Firecrackers (knockouts), display shells, artillery shells and ball and canister shells.

The law took effect on Thursday, December 16, 1999. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Ghc500 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding a year, or both.

The LI, which resulted in a heated and lengthy debate, was to give legal backing to an earlier Executive Instrument issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Despite the existence of the law, firecrackers have been part of the festive season every year.

Public Affairs Director of the Police Service, DSP Cephas Arthur told the Media in various interviews that anybody arrested by the patrol officers for flouting the law will be dealt with.