The Misorňu Safety Centre, a public service NGO dedicated to promoting safety, has expressed deep concern over the dangerous use of musketry during festivals, funerals, and other public gatherings across Ghana.
In a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra and signed by its founder and CEO, Deputy Commissioner of Police David Eklu retired, the Centre proposed practical steps to reduce the risks associated with these cultural practices.
The statement urged event organisers to work closely with the police to vet musketeers and provide them with safety briefings. It also recommended that only licensed firearms should be used, and strictly by trained individuals.
The Centre highlighted that musketeers must not consume alcohol before or during performances, as impaired judgment often leads to safety breaches. Organisers were further advised to appoint safety coordinators, mark designated firing zones, and keep safe distances between musketeers and crowds.
To strengthen public understanding, the Centre called for community education on firearm laws and the penalties for violations. It also encouraged the adoption of non-lethal cultural displays as safer alternatives to live musketry.
“Any incident or breach must be reported to the authorities without delay,” the statement stressed.
The Centre appealed to traditional authorities, youth groups, festival committees, local governments, and security agencies to help build a safety-first culture during public events.
Expressing concern over past incidents, the Centre noted that unsafe firing practices have led to injuries and fatalities, undermining the spirit of traditional celebrations and putting the public at risk.
A recent analysis by the Misorňu Safety Centre identified widespread unsafe practices, including:
- Firing in crowded areas
- Using unapproved firearms
- Musketeers performing without training
- Alcohol use impairing judgment
The statement reminded the public of Section 7 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (N.R.C.D. 9), which prohibits discharging firearms in public without prior police approval — a law that fully applies to cultural events.
Finally, the Centre urged media houses to help raise awareness and protect the public before, during, and after festivals.
“The Misorňu Safety Centre remains committed to building a safety-first mindset in Ghana and beyond,” the statement concluded
By Peter Quao Adattor
