Misorňu Safety Centre proposes measures to curb unsafe use of musketry during celebrations 

The Misorňu Safety Centre, a public service NGO that promotes safety, has raised concern over the dangerous use of musketry during festivals, funerals, and other public events. 

In a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, and signed by the founder and Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (rtd) David Eklu, the Centre, therefore, recommended some measures to address the situation.  

The Centre advised event organisers to work with the police to clear musketeers and give them safety briefings. 

They should also use only licensed firearms and trained handlers. 

Musketeers, it said, should be banned from taking alcohol, while organisers should assign coordinators to monitor safety distances and ensure safe firing zones are marked. 

Additionally, communities be educated on firearm laws and penalties. 

 It also encouraged the use of non-lethal cultural displays as alternatives to musketry.  

“Any incident or breach must be reported to the authorities without delay,” it advised.  

The Misorňu Safety Centre also called on traditional authorities, youth groups, festival committees, local governments, and the security services to help promote a safety-first culture. 

It expressed concern that many lives had been lost or harmed due to unsafe firing practices.  

Such incidents, it noted, took away from the joy and meaning of traditional celebrations and endangered public safety. 

According to the Centre, its recent analysis showed several unsafe behaviours. 

 These included lack of proper training for musketeers, the use of unapproved firearms in public processions, and firing in crowded spaces.  

It also found that alcohol use among musketeers often affected their judgement.  

“In many cases, people break safety rules and firearm laws,” it observed.  

The Centre reminded the public of Section 7 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (N.R.C.D. 9), which makes it illegal to display or fire weapons in public without police permission.  

“This law also applies to traditional event,” it pointed out.  

It also appealed to media houses to help share this message to protect the public before, during, and after festivals. 

The Centre said it remained committed to building a safety-first mindset across Ghana and beyond. 

Source: GNA