The Nexus Between Proliferation Of Small Arms And Armed Robbery In Ghana

ABSTRACT

This thesis examines the nexus between proliferation of small arms and armed robbery in Ghana using Alavanyo as the epicenter of manufacturing of small arms. Using a qualitative research method approach, a selected sample of 39 respondents were interviewed. The study relied on Merton‟s Strain Theory and Sutherland‟s Differential Association Theory to anchor data analysis. The study showed that blacksmiths engage in illegal manufacturing of small arms to obtain money to meet their needs. Further, there is evidence to support Sutherland‟s explanation that the blacksmiths go into the activity as a result of an excess of definitions favourable to violation of law. Armed robbery was similarly an innovation adopted by the respondents. Moreover, the study found out that porous border, excessive use of arms by the police, blacksmiths activities, corruption, conflicts in parts of the country and weak arms control mechanism are some of the factors responsible for massive small arms proliferation in Ghana. While police Criminal Data Services Bureau statistics showed that armed robbers in Ghana use locally manufactured small arms. The study was not able to find a one-on-one relationship between proliferation of small arms and armed robbery, though, some of the convicted armed robbers reportedly used small arms. Also, none of the convicted armed robbers disclosed that they got their guns from Alavanyo. The study recommends the establishment of a defence industry under the Ministry of Defence to oversee the local manufacture of guns by blacksmiths.