The Ashanti Regional branch of the National Peace Council, in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, has held a sensitisation programme at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) to address the growing concern of illegal firearm possession among students.
The initiative follows recent gun-related incidents in schools across the region. Notably, on May 19, 2025, a male student at OKESS was found with a locally manufactured pistol. A month earlier, on April 17, a first-year student at Adventist SHS, Suzzy Pinamang, lost an eye after being accidentally shot by a male classmate who had brought his father’s gun to school. She is currently undergoing treatment in London, supported by philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama.
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“These weapons pose a serious threat to national security,” said the Executive Secretary of the Peace Council’s Ashanti Regional branch. “Some students are introduced to firearms as toys, and over time, they become dangerously desensitised.”
In response to the recent threats, OKESS has also launched a “See Something, Say Something” campaign to promote vigilance among students and staff.
Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Acting Head of the National Commission on Small Arms in Ashanti, urged students to take responsibility for school safety. “You are each other’s keepers. If you notice something dangerous or suspicious, speak up. The safety of your school and community depends on it,” he said.
OKESS Headmaster, Michael Mensah, expressed appreciation for the intervention and noted improvements since the awareness campaign began. “This initiative has helped our students understand the real dangers of gun violence and the importance of reporting such threats. We hope this becomes a turning point, not just for OKESS, but for schools across the region.”
The programme featured interactive sessions and presentations on the legal, social, and psychological consequences of illegal gun possession. Students, staff, and school authorities participated in the initiative aimed at reinforcing a culture of peace and safety on school campuses.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
