The Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni Valley Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, has raised concerns over the growing use of live ammunition during traditional festivals across the country, warning that a cherished aspect of the country’s cultural identity is increasingly becoming a major public safety threat.
Presenting a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday June 24, the lawmaker cautioned that celebrations meant to foster unity, preserve culture, and honour the country’s rich traditions are now too often associated with fear, injuries, and deaths due to the reckless firing of live bullets.
According to the MP, several traditional festivals including Bugum Chugu, Feok Festival, Odwira Festival, Hogbetsotso Festival, and Homowo Festival were historically established to celebrate peace, unity, bravery, and the rich cultural heritage of various communities.
However, he lamented that these cultural events are increasingly being overshadowed by dangerous practices involving the indiscriminate discharge of firearms using live ammunition.
The legislator stressed that what should ordinarily be moments of joy, togetherness, and cultural pride are now becoming occasions marked by panic and tragedy for many families and communities.
He noted that reports of accidental shootings and fatalities during festival celebrations continue to emerge from different parts of the country, raising concerns about public safety and the need for immediate intervention.
Hon. Cudjoe argued that while cultural practices must be respected and preserved, public safety cannot be compromised under the guise of tradition.
He therefore called for a more coordinated national response to address the growing menace.
The MP urged security agencies to intensify enforcement of existing firearms regulations during traditional festivals and public gatherings.
He further appealed for stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and traditional authorities to ensure that celebrants adhere to safety protocols.
He also called on the Ministry of the Interior to consider urgent legal and regulatory reforms aimed at preventing the use of live ammunition during festivals and other ceremonial activities.
According to him, chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups, and festival planning committees all have critical roles to play in promoting responsible celebrations and protecting lives.
Hon. Cudjoe emphasized that preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage should go hand in hand with safeguarding human life, adding that the country cannot continue to witness avoidable deaths and injuries at events intended to unite communities.
He appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively to restore safety, discipline, and dignity to Ghana’s traditional festivals while ensuring that future celebrations remain peaceful and enjoyable for all citizens and visitors alike.
By 1960news.com
