The Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr Adam Bonaa, has warned that chiefs who authorise the firing of guns during traditional celebrations could face criminal charges if the weapons result in someone's death.

He says both the person who fires the weapon and the individual who supplies or authorises its use could be held responsible under the law, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Speaking in an interview on GhanaWeb's Lowdown, Dr Bonaa explained that giving someone permission to use a firearm does not exempt the person who supplied it from criminal liability if it causes harm.

He cited a situation where a chief gives a firearm to a masquerader to fire during a celebration, but the gunshot kills someone.

“If I gave you, in law, if I gave you my gun, you had my authority to discharge the gun, and you fired the gun, and someone is fatally shot, the person is dead. You won't say, because I gave you my gun willingly to fire and you fired, you will not be culpable, you will,” he said.

Dr Bonaa stressed that the person who pulls the trigger would also be held responsible, regardless of who authorised the firing.

“So all that line will be investigated. And so you might end up with 10 people instead of two. And all of them, so it is in various grades,” he added.

He explained that investigations could extend to people further up the chain, including those who originally supplied the firearm and those who transferred it without the necessary permits.

The NACSA boss also warned that possessing an unregistered firearm is a felony and could attract a lengthy prison sentence.

“It's a felony. It's not a misdemeanour. It's a felony. And felony is a serious crime,” he stated.

According to him, gun ownership is a privilege rather than a right, insisting that people must undergo proper assessment before being allowed to possess firearms.

He further disclosed that the commission is working on reforms to strengthen firearm regulations and improve public safety.

Dr Bonaa urged Ghanaians to stop treating the firing of guns during traditional celebrations as harmless entertainment, warning that those involved could face serious legal consequences.

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