Ashanti, Eastern and Upper East top regions for gun violence – NACSA report
By DL news
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This was revealed in the Commission’s latest Open-Source Gun Incidence (OGI) Report, which tracks patterns of gun violence across the country.
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has identified Ashanti, Eastern and Upper East as the regions with the highest number of gun-related incidents in the second quarter of 2025.
This was revealed in the Commission’s latest Open-Source Gun Incidence (OGI) Report, which tracks patterns of gun violence across the country.
According to NACSA, a total of 54 gun-related violent incidents were recorded between April and June 2025, compared with fewer cases in the first quarter. The Ashanti Region accounted for 21 incidents, followed by the Eastern Region with eight and Upper East with seven. The findings were drawn from media reports, NACSA’s regional research units and follow-ups with regional police commands.
The report further noted that gun violence spread to 11 out of Ghana’s 16 regions during the period under review. Five regions Bono, Bono East, Savannah, Ahafo and Upper West did not report any incidents. NACSA commended these regions and encouraged others to adopt similar preventive measures.
Armed robbery emerged as the most common gun-related crime, with 22 cases recorded. This was followed by nine cases of murder, eight violent clashes and seven incidents of unlawful possession of firearms. Other forms of gun violence included indiscriminate shootings, celebratory gunfire and disputes over land.
The Commission also highlighted that men made up the majority of both perpetrators and victims. All offenders identified were male, while 78% of victims were men. In total, 43 deaths were reported, of which 39 were male victims.
Weapons seized at crime scenes included 20 pump-action guns, 10 pistols and three AK-47 rifles, among others. NACSA said the types and numbers of weapons recovered show the urgent need to strengthen gun control measures.
The Commission urged stakeholders including the Attorney General’s Department, Parliament and civil society organizations to support the Interior Ministry in pushing through the National Arms Bill. It said a more robust legal framework is critical to reducing gun violence and safeguarding public safety.
