Firearms are not symbols of power; they fuel violence — CID boss

The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has raised concerns over the growing threat posed by the irresponsible possession and use of illegal firearms, warning that illicit weapons continue to fuel armed robbery, violent crime and other serious criminal activities across the country.

She said removing illegal firearms from circulation remains one of the most effective ways to protect lives, strengthen public safety and reduce gun-related offences.

Her remarks followed the 8th National Arms Destruction Ceremony, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, under the theme "Silencing the Guns Through Destruction for a Peaceful, Safe and Gun-Violence-Free Ghana."

In a Facebook post after the ceremony, COP Donkor stressed that every illicit weapon taken off the streets represents a potential life saved, describing the destruction exercise as an important step in Ghana's efforts to combat gun violence.

Every illegal firearm removed from our streets is a life potentially saved."

She noted that the destruction of seized and obsolete firearms demonstrates the country's commitment to ensuring that weapons used to facilitate crime are permanently removed from circulation.

According to her, illegal firearms continue to undermine peace and security by enabling armed robbery, violent assaults and other organised criminal activities.

The irresponsible possession and use of firearms continue to threaten lives, undermine public safety, and contribute to armed robbery, violent crime, and other criminal activities."

COP Donkor cautioned against the growing perception that firearms symbolize influence or authority, stressing that unlicensed weapons often become tools of intimidation, violence and death when they fall into the hands of criminals.

Firearms are not symbols of power. In the wrong hands, they become instruments of fear, violence, and loss."

She urged citizens to reject the culture of illegal firearm possession and support national efforts aimed at reducing gun-related violence.

The CID Director-General reaffirmed the Department's commitment to combating firearm-related offences through intelligence-driven policing and stronger investigative capabilities.

She explained that the CID continues to deploy intelligence-led operations, forensic examinations and close collaboration with both local and international law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in the trafficking and use of illegal weapons.

According to her, investigators are also working to trace illicit firearms, disrupt supply chains and prevent weapons from reaching criminal groups.

Through intelligence-led investigations, forensic examination, and public cooperation, we continue to strengthen our fight against gun-related crime."

COP Donkor appealed to the public to play a more active role in tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms by refusing to acquire or possess unlicensed weapons and by providing timely information to the Police.

She encouraged citizens to report suspected firearm trafficking, illegal arms possession and other criminal activities to enable security agencies to act swiftly.

The CID Director-General stressed that public cooperation remains essential to achieving lasting peace and improving security across the country.

Together, we can build a safer, more peaceful Ghana where communities are protected and future generations can thrive."

The annual National Arms Destruction Ceremony forms part of Ghana's broader commitment to reducing the circulation of illicit weapons and promoting peace, security and the rule of law.

Authorities say the destruction of confiscated firearms sends a strong signal that illegal weapons have no place in Ghanaian society and reinforces ongoing efforts to combat organised crime, armed robbery and violent offences.

The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its determination to continue working with the public and international partners to eliminate illegal firearms and enhance the safety of communities nationwide.