The National Commission of Small Arms and Light Weapons has raised alarm over a growing trend in which young women and girls are being targeted by criminal networks involved in the illegal firearms trade.
The commission says even though the spread and misuse of small arms continue to endanger Ghana’s peace, safety, and development, society often frames gun violence as a “male issue,” but criminal groups are increasingly exploiting young women.
This was made known during a sensitization programme on firearms proliferation, misuse, and gun violence prevention at Accra Girls SHS.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission Mohammed Gali Salam said these groups recruit young women because they are less likely to be suspected at checkpoints, have access to certain social spaces, and may be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation or promises of quick money.
“Society often misconstrues the issues of gun and the related violence it portends as a masculine issue, yet what many overlook is that gun violence is no longer a male issue. A concerning new trend has emerged where young women and girls, just like you, are being increasingly targeted and exploited by criminal networks engaged in the illicit firearms trade.”
Mohammed Gali Salam noted that young women are being used as couriers, recruiters, and in some cases, direct handlers of firearms which is a major cause for worry.
“These groups often recruit young women because they are thoughtless of pushing at checkpoints, have access to social spaces that men may not, and can be emotionally manipulated more easily through relationships or promises of quick financial gain.
“Such groups lure young women like you to act as couriers, recruiters, or even as direct users of firearms. Remember, there is no shame in being targeted.”
He urged young women to stay alert to such tactics, adding that “Manipulation can happen to anyone, but your strength lies in recognising it early and saying no.