Small Arms Commission, Peace Council sensitize OKESS students on dangers of gun violence and illegal possession

The Ashanti Regional branch of   Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons in collaboration with National Peace Council Ashanti chapter organized a day sensitization program at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) to educate students on the dangers of illegal firearm possession and its impact on national security.

The outreach follows recent discoveries of locally manufactured pistols among students of both Adventist Senior High School and OKESS, sparking public concern about growing insecurity in schools.

According to the Peace Council, the initiative was launched in response to these alarming incidents, with the goal of raising awareness among students about the serious consequences of illegal gun use. With support from OKESS management, the two state institutions provided an educational platform that brought together students, school staff, and administrators to confront the growing threat of youth-involved gun violence.

In a tragic case on April 17, 2025, a first-year student at Adventist SHS in Kumasi, Suzzy Pinamang, was accidentally shot in the eye by a male colleague who had smuggled his father’s gun into school. The incident, according to medical experts, caused permanent damage, resulting in the complete loss of her eye. Suzzy is currently receiving treatment in London, supported by philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama.

Barely a month later, on May 19, another male student from OKESS was also found with a locally manufactured pistol that had been smuggled onto campus. The incidents have raised concerns over student safety and prompted urgent calls for preventive action.

As part of efforts to improve security awareness, OKESS has since launched a “See Something, Say Something” campaign aimed at encouraging students and staff to report suspicious behavior or threats.

Speaking to the media after the event, the Ashanti Regional Executive Secretary of the Peace Council Rev. Dr. Amoah Badu Emmanuel addressed students, expressing concern over the trend of young people gaining access to firearms.

“Recently, arms were found among secondary school children,” he said.

“There are rules governing gun ownership you must be at least 18 years old, and even then, firearms must be registered as personal property. Unfortunately, some children are exposed to these weapons as toys from a young age. They become familiar with them and do not recognize the danger. This is a serious issue, and we believe it is time to take proactive steps to prevent further incidents. The Peace Council views this as a critical moment for intervention.”

The Acting Head of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for the Ashanti Region, Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, also addressed the students, emphasizing their responsibility to one another.

“We are each other’s keepers,” he said. “It’s important to report anything that could pose a threat to national security. When we fail to do so, we allow harm to enter our communities. We must equip ourselves with knowledge and act responsibly for the sake of a peaceful society. The safety of our schools and neighborhoods depends on our collective vigilance.”

OKESS Headmaster Michael Mensah expressed appreciation to the Peace Council and the Small arms Commission for the sensitization exercise. He acknowledged that the May 19 incident was a wake-up call, but noted that since then, no further weapons have been found on any student.

“They were privileged to have this opportunity,” he said. “The team from the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission was here to educate our students about the dangers of violence and discourage any involvement with weapons. This education is crucial not just to avoid future incidents, but to guide our students toward becoming disciplined individuals.”

Mensah added that the “See Something, Say Something” campaign has already begun to shape a culture of responsibility within the school.

“When this campaign continues,” he noted, “it will serve both our students and the wider community well. It will make our schools safer and produce more responsible young citizens. As teachers and staff, we also benefit from this initiative it supports us, and it supports the students in meaningful ways.”

Source: www.kumasimail.com

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