Friday, July 30, 2010

BA POLICE WORRIED ABOUT PROLIFERATION OF ARMS (PAGE 22, JULY 30, 2010)

The BrongAhafo Regional Police Command has expressed concern about the consistent flouting of laws governing the importation, acquisition and use of arms and ammunition by certain unscrupulous individuals in the region.
The police stressed that the ease with which armed robbers and other criminals had access to arms and ammunition, put residents in Sunyani, the regional capital in particular and the entire region in a state of insecurity.
Consequently, the police authorities have warned all those operating outside the requirements of the law to cease forthwith before they were arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
A press release signed by the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Seth Charles Oteng and issued in Sunyani, reminded the people of the negative practice, which contravened the existing Arms and Ammunition Laws, especially the Arms and Ammunition Act 1972 (NRCD).
The release stated that no person was permitted to use any firearm, weapon or ammunition without authority and that, persons below the age of 18 years were also not permitted to own and use any firearm, weapon or ammunition.
The police warned that no person other than a person registered and permitted to operate as a dealer, should trade in or sell firearms, weapons or ammunition.
The release added that no persons, except those permitted by the Act or with the consent of the Inspector General of Police, should publicly display any arms or ammunition or discharge firearms or any other weapons in a public place.
The release further warned that ‘‘No registered dealer should sell any firearms, weapons or ammunition to any person other than a valid permit holder, which meant that no one could buy a firearm, weapon or ammunition on behalf of another.
‘‘The police would like to warn all those operating outside the requirement of the law to put an end to that act before a regional exercise to arrest and prosecute offenders begins shortly,” the release stressed.

No comments: