{"id":69522,"date":"2025-07-07T14:01:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T14:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=69522"},"modified":"2025-07-07T14:01:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T14:01:26","slug":"police-condemn-reckless-use-of-firearms-at-public-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=69522","title":{"rendered":"Police condemn reckless use of firearms at public events"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>1 Minute, 37 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>
\n

Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Regional Police Command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, has issued a stern warning against the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural gatherings.<\/p>\n

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Superintendent Obeng condemned such behaviour, describing it as a serious threat to lives and public safety. <\/p>\n

\u201cAt this moment, we would want to take the opportunity to strongly condemn the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural events, which poses a grave risk to lives and public safety,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The police command also reminded the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence under the law. <\/p>\n

Superintendent Obeng emphasised that anyone found violating these laws would face strict legal consequences.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe command goes again to remind the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence and those who are found to be flouting the law will be dealt with accordingly,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n

Her remarks follow\u00a0the tragic death of Fatima, a second-year student at Bimbilla Senior High School, who was killed by a stray bullet during the annual Fire Festival in Bimbilla,<\/a>\u00a0Nanumba North Municipality, in the Northern Region.<\/p>\n

The incident occurred as a crowd moved in procession from the regent\u2019s palace to Wampu Dam, where festival rituals were expected to take place on July 6.<\/p>\n

The caution comes ahead of a number of upcoming cultural events, including the Homowo festival by the Ga people in Accra, as authorities seek to ensure the safety and security of all participants.<\/p>\n

Celebrations are usually accompanied by the firing of musketry loaded with gunpowder, but there is an increasing trend of the use of sophisticated guns and live ammunition.<\/p>\n

The police urged the public to cooperate fully and report any illegal activity to help maintain peace during these celebrations.<\/p>\n