The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has called on traditional leaders across Ghana to ban the use and display of firearms during festivities and ceremonies, following a violent clash during this year’s Homowo festival celebration in Teshie that left three people dead and several injured.

In a statement issued on August 28, 2025, NACSA condemned the misuse of firearms during such events.

"NACSA strongly condemns the display and misuse of firearms which has become one too many in social and public gatherings as well as traditional celebrations.

"By this press release, the Commission is respectfully calling on all traditional leaders to immediately place a ban on the display and use of firearms in this year's celebrations and festivities to prevent injuries and the loss of innocent lives, bearing in mind that a firearm can accidentally take away the life of anyone including our chiefs.

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"While NACSA has proposed an Arms Bill which has been submitted to the Hon. Minister for the Interior, and when passed into law would strengthen regulations to better monitor and control the use of firearms during traditional festivals, an immediate ban remains urgently necessary to protect communities and prevent needless loss of lives while maintaining the sanity and joy associated with such celebrations," the statement signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of NACSA, Dr A. A. Adam Bonaa said.

The commission emphasized that the recent tragedy in Teshie, though accidental, stemmed from a “clear and direct violation of warnings issued ahead of the festival.”

NACSA urged traditional authorities to take a proactive stance in safeguarding their communities, arguing that cultural celebrations should foster unity and joy, not violence or fear.

“We must not allow our traditional celebrations to be turned into grounds of death and mourning,” the statement stressed.

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The commission also appealed to community leaders, youth groups, and the public to report suspicious activities involving weapons to law enforcement, reinforcing its commitment to curbing the illicit arms trade.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of illicit arms and their misuse during cultural events, which have increasingly resulted in preventable tragedies.

The clash occurred on August 26, 2025, during the Homowo Kpokpoi Sprinkling Ceremony at the Teshie Traditional Area, where rival factions clashed, leading to the deaths of Patrick Marmah Martey, 27; Christopher Osekre Adjetey, 29; and Eddie Blessing. Several others remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition, highlighting the urgent need for stricter controls on firearms.

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