The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has appealed to Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal firearms, warning that the proliferation of unlicensed weapons continues to drive violent crime and threaten public safety.
Her appeal follows the 8th National Arms Destruction Ceremony held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, under the theme, “Silencing the Guns Through Destruction for a Peaceful, Safe and Gun-Violence-Free Ghana.”
In a Facebook post after the event, COP Donkor said removing illicit firearms from circulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce armed robbery, violent attacks and other gun-related crimes.
“Every illegal firearm removed from our streets is a life potentially saved,” she stated.
According to the CID Director-General, the destruction of illegal and obsolete weapons demonstrates the country’s determination to prevent firearms from being used to terrorise innocent citizens.
She cautioned that the irresponsible possession and misuse of firearms continue to endanger lives and undermine national security.
“The irresponsible possession and use of firearms continue to threaten lives, undermine public safety, and contribute to armed robbery, violent crime, and other criminal activities,” she said.
She further stressed that weapons should never be viewed as symbols of authority or influence.
“Firearms are not symbols of power. In the wrong hands, they become instruments of fear, violence, and loss,” she added.
COP Donkor reaffirmed the CID’s commitment to combating firearm-related offences through intelligence-led investigations, forensic analysis and stronger collaboration with both local and international law enforcement agencies.
She noted that the Department continues to track illegal weapons, dismantle criminal networks and implement measures aimed at preventing firearms from reaching criminal groups.
“Through intelligence-led investigations, forensic examination, and public cooperation, we continue to strengthen our fight against gun-related crime,” she said.
The CID Director-General also urged members of the public to play an active role by refusing to acquire or keep unlicensed firearms and by reporting suspected arms trafficking and other criminal activities to the Police.
She expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public would help create safer communities and significantly reduce gun violence across the country.
“Together, we can build a safer, more peaceful Ghana where communities are protected and future generations can thrive,” she said.
