Ghanaian parents are being strongly advised to reconsider purchasing toy guns for their children, particularly during festive periods, as such toys can normalise violence and increase risks of real gun mishaps.
The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has raised serious alarm over the dangers of exposing children to toy guns, warning that it can distort their perception of violence and lead to tragic accidents if real firearms are mistaken for playthings.
A recent incident in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region has amplified these concerns. On January 23, 2026, police seized a pump-action gun from a 15-year-old boy in Bepotenten Sukuum. When officers instructed the boy to inform the owner to report to the police station with proper documents, a clash ensued, leaving one person dead and another injured.
Speaking on Nhyira FM’s Kuro Yi Mu Nsem with host Barima Kofi Dawson, Mr Gyebi Asante, Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Commission, described the situation as deeply worrying.
“The concern is that kids, especially boys, are often given toy guns as playthings, which can lead to a false sense of familiarity with real guns. If their parents accidentally leave a real firearm unsecured, the child might mistake it for a toy and handle it, with potentially disastrous consequences,” he warned.
He made a passionate appeal to parents to replace toy guns with alternative, non-violent toys that promote healthy play and positive development.
“This can help shape a safer and more responsible mindset in the children and reduce the risk of them getting involved with real guns,” he added.
Mr Gyebi Asante also highlighted the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and safe storage practices. He stressed that licensed gun owners must secure their firearms in a safe and locked place to prevent children from gaining access.
“This will help to prevent accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone,” he emphasised.
He further called on licensed gun dealers to strictly adhere to regulations.
“The shops of licensed gun dealers are supposed to be private magazines, meaning they shouldn’t operate in open spaces. But nowadays, some dealers have shops in markets, openly displaying guns in some communities. Some dealers don’t even bother checking if buyers have a permit; they just sell guns and ammo to anyone. They should remember, if someone uses a gun or bullet to kill, they’ll be partly responsible too,” he said.
The Commission urged licensed dealers to verify that buyers possess the necessary permits before selling firearms or ammunition, warning that failure to comply could lead to serious legal consequences.
The incident and the Commission’s warning have reignited public discourse on gun safety, child protection, and the normalisation of violence through toys, with calls for stricter enforcement of firearm regulations and greater parental responsibility.
