Ashanti Regional Peace Council and Small Arms Commission Sensitize Students on Vigilantism, Illegal Arms Possession and Peaceful Coexistence

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), has organized a Peace Education and Sensitization Programme for students of Mancell Girls Senior High and Technical School in the Ashanti Region.

The programme, held on Monday, 29th June 2026 at the school’s Assembly Hall, formed part of efforts to educate young people on the dangers of vigilantism, student violence, and the illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons. The initiative also sought to promote peaceful coexistence among students and support the establishment of Peace Ambassadors Clubs in Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools across the region.

The event brought together over 520 students, teachers, and school administrators. It was attended by Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah, Senior Programmes Manager of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council; Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Regional Director of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission; Ms. Joycelyn Anima Aboraa Boateng, Programmes Manager of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council; and representatives of Mancell Girls Senior High and Technical School.

Addressing the students, Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in promoting peace. He noted that peace begins with an individual’s attitude, words, and actions, while violence often stems from intolerance, anger, and poor communication.

He encouraged students to respect one another, avoid bullying, support their peers in resolving conflicts peacefully, and reject any involvement in violent groups or activities. According to him, every student has a role to play in creating a safe and harmonious school environment.

Mr. Amponsah further educated the students on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), explaining that the law was enacted to prevent the formation and activities of vigilante groups and to safeguard peace and security in Ghana.

He noted that although vigilantism is commonly associated with political groups, similar behaviours can sometimes emerge among young people and within school settings. He stressed that such conduct is dangerous and unacceptable.

According to him, it is a criminal offence under Act 999 to form, organize, fund, support, recruit for, train, or participate in vigilante groups. He cautioned students that persons found guilty of such offences may face severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from ten to fifteen years.

Also speaking at the programme, Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Regional Director of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission, highlighted the dangers associated with the illegal possession and misuse of weapons.

He explained that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains one of the major threats to peace and security within communities and across the country. According to him, weapons do not solve problems but rather create fear, fuel violence and crime, and lead to injuries and loss of innocent lives.

Mr. Oduro cautioned students against possessing or using weapons illegally, stressing that unlawful possession of arms is a serious criminal offence under Ghanaian law and may result in arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment. He further emphasized that the spread of illegal arms contributes to insecurity and undermines efforts to build peaceful communities.

The sensitization programme also focused on non-violent approaches to resolving differences, strengthening students’ understanding of peaceful coexistence, and encouraging active participation in conflict prevention initiatives. Students were urged to become peace advocates and contribute positively to peacebuilding efforts within their schools and communities.

The programme is expected to improve awareness of the legal consequences of vigilantism and illegal arms possession, strengthen students’ understanding of peaceful conflict resolution, and contribute to the development of a generation of young peacebuilders capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council and the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission remain committed to empowering young people with the knowledge and values required to promote peace, prevent violence, and contribute to a safer and more secure society.