KAIPTC hosts regional discussion on guns and ammunition industry to ‘silence the weapons’ in West Africa – Life Pulse Daily

KAIPTC Hosts Regional Discussion on Guns and Ammunition Industry to ‘Silence the Weapons’ in West Africa

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has convened a high-level Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM), emphasizing the critical role of integrated arms and ammunition control in preventing violent conflicts and extremism across the Gulf of Guinea and the broader Sahel region.

Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management as a Preventive Strategy

The dialogue was held under the theme, “Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management as a Preventive Strategy Against Violent Conflicts and Extremism in the Gulf of Guinea and Beyond,” and was convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with generous support from the Government of Japan.

This important gathering follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KAIPTC and the Sahel States, represented by Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey.

The Urgent Need for Integrated Arms Control

Welcoming participants, the Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal David A. Akrong, stressed the urgency of strengthening arms and ammunition management.

“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons, coupled with readily available ammunition, is a major driver of armed violence, organized crime, and insecurity. These threats undermine governance and destabilize communities by enabling armed groups and criminal networks to operate with greater lethality and impunity,” he said.

Air Vice Marshal Akrong highlighted that while policy efforts have traditionally focused on arms control, ammunition management has often been overlooked.

“Treating small arms and ammunition under separate frameworks has created gaps in coordination and enforcement,” he noted. “An integrated approach that addresses both simultaneously is essential to curbing illicit trafficking and promoting sustainable peace.”

KAIPTC’s Commitment to Regional Security

He further affirmed KAIPTC’s commitment to providing technical assistance, capacity-building, and research support across West and Central Africa. Among its ongoing projects, KAIPTC is leading Ghana’s preparation of a second National Action Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), supported by the UN SALIENT Fund, and recently completed inspections of armory standards in national security agencies.

Regional and International Perspectives

The dialogue also featured strong interventions from regional and multinational stakeholders. UNDP’s Resident Representative in Ghana, Mr Niloy Banerjee, underscored the scale of the challenge posed by small arms proliferation in West Africa.

“Africa is estimated to have some 40 million small arms, with West Africa accounting for around 11 million,” Mr Banerjee said. “Ghana alone has approximately 2.3 million weapons in circulation, of which nearly 1.2 million are unregistered or untraceable. These represent real points of vulnerability.”

He emphasized that while regulatory frameworks, including the UN Programme of Action on SALW and regional conventions such as the ECOWAS Convention and Kinshasa Convention, exist, the key challenge remains implementation.

“We are almost well kitted out in terms of guiding frameworks. What we need now is to translate these into action,” he said.

Political Leadership and Regional Cooperation

Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlarbi, echoed calls for high-level political engagement and regional cooperation. He highlighted the recent national gun amnesty program as a significant step in addressing arms proliferation and its link to communal and international conflicts.

“The continued spread of small arms and ammunition is a transnational challenge that demands leadership at the highest political levels,” he said.

“Integrated management systems will strengthen regional cooperation, enhance arms control mechanisms, and support sustainable peacebuilding by reducing illicit flows and curbing armed violence.”

Silencing the Guns Initiative

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, warned that arms and ammunition proliferation remains one of the gravest threats to stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

He commended existing initiatives, including Africa Amnesty Month and faith-based engagement, but cautioned that enforcement capacity and organization remain uneven.

“We must confront illicit weapons flows as inseparable components of a single, coherent control architecture,” Dr Chambas said. “Let us move from dialogue to action and improve weapons and ammunition management as a central pillar of conflict prevention in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.”

Moving from Dialogue to Action

The dialogue, attended by regional experts, government officials, civil society representatives, and multinational partners, provided a platform for sharing best practices, fostering partnerships, and developing strategies for harmonized, preventive approaches to armed violence.

Air Vice Marshal Akrong concluded by emphasizing the transformative potential of the initiative:

“Let us be guided by a shared vision of a Gulf of Guinea where communities live free from the fear of armed violence, governance is strengthened through transparency and accountability, and sustainable development is firmly anchored in peace and security. This dialogue must serve as a catalyst for transformative change that will silence the guns and pave the way for inclusive growth and resilient societies.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the KAIPTC Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management?

The main goal is to strengthen integrated weapons and ammunition management as a preventive strategy against violent conflicts and extremism in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.

Who organized the Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management?

The dialogue was convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Government of Japan and hosted by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

Why is ammunition management often overlooked in arms control efforts?

Traditionally, policy efforts have focused separately on small arms and ammunition, creating gaps in coordination and enforcement. An integrated approach addressing both simultaneously is essential for effective control.

What are some key statistics on small arms proliferation in West Africa?

Africa is estimated to have around 40 million small arms, with West Africa accounting for approximately 11 million. Ghana alone has about 2.3 million weapons in circulation, of which nearly 1.2 million are unregistered or untraceable.

What is the “Silencing the Guns” initiative?

The “Silencing the Guns” initiative, led by the African Union, aims to end wars, prevent conflicts, stop genocide and other atrocities, and create conditions for Africa’s development through peace and security.

How does arms proliferation affect governance and development?

The proliferation of small arms and ammunition undermines governance by enabling armed groups and criminal networks to operate with greater lethality and impunity, destabilizing communities and hindering sustainable development.

What role does regional cooperation play in addressing arms proliferation?

Regional cooperation is crucial for effective arms control, as the spread of small arms and ammunition is a transnational challenge that requires coordinated efforts, shared information, and harmonized policies across borders.

What are some existing frameworks for arms control in Africa?

Existing frameworks include the UN Programme of Action on SALW, the ECOWAS Convention, the Kinshasa Convention, and national action plans on small arms and light weapons.

How can integrated management systems help prevent armed violence?

Integrated management systems strengthen regional cooperation, enhance arms control mechanisms, and support sustainable peacebuilding by reducing illicit flows and curbing armed violence through coordinated efforts.

What is the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding between KAIPTC and the Sahel States?

The MoU represents a commitment to collaboration on weapons and ammunition management, capacity building, and technical assistance to address the challenges of arms proliferation in the Sahel region and beyond.

Conclusion

The KAIPTC Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of arms proliferation in West Africa. By bringing together regional experts, government officials, and international partners, the dialogue has laid the groundwork for more effective, integrated approaches to arms and ammunition control. As the region continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of armed violence, such collaborative efforts are essential for building peace, strengthening governance, and promoting sustainable development across the Gulf of Guinea and the broader Sahel region.

Sources

– Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) official communications
– United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana office statements
– African Union Commission on Silencing the Guns initiative
– ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons
– UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons