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The Anatomy Of Ghana's Secret Arms Industry, Emmanuel Kwesi Aning

Emmanuel Kwesi Aning

Although craft small arms production is present throughout West Africa, Ghana’s long-standing and socially embedded gun-making tradition make it a country of particular concern. Guns ‘made in Ghana’ are now known regionally for their competitive prices, their effectiveness, and their accessibility—thus raising concerns that they might one day represent a significant source of weaponry for armed groups. Indeed, some local blacksmiths now possess the requisite know-how to copy imported AK-47 assault rifles This chapter documents the extent, nature, and effects of Ghanaian craft small arms production, and discusses existing and potential responses. It is divided into three main sections. The …