Carrying firearms to festivals and funerals is unlawful - Small Arms Commission warns

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has warned the public that carrying firearms to funerals, festivals and other public gatherings is unlawful and a serious threat to public safety. This warning follows the death of the Mmratehene of the Ayanfuri Traditional Area in the Diaso District of the Central Region, Nana Kwabena Okyere, who reportedly died after a pump-action gun was accidentally discharged during a funeral ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2026.

Gyebi Asante, Acting Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) at the Commission, stated that "Sending guns to festivals, funerals and other public celebrations without authorization is unlawful and dangerous. Anyone who intends to use a firearm in public must first obtain approval from the Police and the Inspector-General of Police." Johnson Asante-Twum, Managing Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), noted that Ghana's laws prohibit the public display of firearms without lawful authority. He warned that "The law is very clear on this matter. Displaying or using firearms in public without lawful authorization is an offence, and offenders risk imprisonment."

The incident has renewed concerns over the increasing use of firearms at funerals and festivals across parts of the country, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of arms regulations to protect lives.