ECOWAS Strengthens Commitment Against Illicit Arms Trade

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reaffirmed its commitment to combat the illicit arms trade during a three-day In-Country Training of National Focal Persons on the exemption procedure to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, held in Accra, Ghana. The event was organized by the Small Arms Division of the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms of Ghana.

It gathered officials from key national institutions responsible for arms acquisition, procurement, importation, transfer, regulation, authorization, and oversight. The training aimed to review the implementation status of the ECOWAS Exemption Procedure in Ghana, identify challenges, and explore measures to enhance effectiveness.

Participants engaged in practical simulations and scenario-building exercises to apply their knowledge in preparing documentation for the ECOWAS Exemption Certificate. This initiative contributes to ECOWAS's broader efforts to strengthen responsible arms transfer controls and support member states in addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.