Speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Monday, Dr Bonaa said: “It doesn’t matter if the weapon is licensed or not. Once a place is declared a red zone, you must abide by the restrictions. Those who flout them will be arrested, prosecuted and risk losing their licences.”
The warning follows intensified security checks in the area, with police recovering firearms and other weapons, including tasers, pepper spray, machetes and what officials described as “sophisticated munitions”, just days before the poll.
Dr Bonaa said more seizures had taken place and hinted at further announcements from security agencies. He also urged political parties to refrain from deploying their own “private security” to the constituency, insisting such actions amount to vigilantism and are against the law.
“This is just one constituency election. I don’t think we have to kill one another because of Akwatia. Whoever intends to smuggle weapons in should be mindful — if you do, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The Small Arms Commission is also pushing for a new bill before Parliament to tighten gun control laws, while considering an amnesty next month to allow citizens to surrender illegal or unlicensed weapons.
The Akwatia by-election is expected to be fiercely contested, raising concerns over potential violence and security in the constituency.
