Police caution against unlawful use of firearms at festivals

The Accra Regional Police Command has strongly cautioned the public against the reckless and unlawful use of firearms during public and cultural events.

The warning follows the tragic death of Fatima, a second-year student of Bimbilla Senior High School, who was struck by a stray bullet during the celebration of the annual Fire Festival in Bimbilla, in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region.

The incident occurred on July 6, during a procession from the regent’s palace to Wampu Dam.

Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Monday, July 7, the Head of Public Affairs for the Command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, condemned the increasing trend of discharging firearms at gatherings, describing it as a serious threat to public safety and human life.
“At this moment, we would want to take the opportunity to strongly condemn the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural events, which poses a grave risk to lives and public safety,” Superintendent Obeng stated.

She reminded the public that the possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority constitutes a criminal offence, adding that offenders will be prosecuted.

“The command goes again to remind the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence and those who are found to be flouting the law will be dealt with accordingly,” She stressed.

With the Homowo festival and other cultural events approaching, police have disclosed that they are intensifying public education and monitoring to prevent similar incidents. While the traditional use of musketry loaded with gunpowder is customary during such celebrations, law enforcement is increasingly concerned about the emergence of more sophisticated firearms and the use of live ammunition.

The police urged the public to cooperate fully with security efforts and report any suspicious or unlawful activities to ensure peaceful and safe celebrations.

Source: CitiNewsroom