The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through the Office of the Dean of Students and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), has partnered the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) to sensitise students on gun violence prevention and the dangers of illicit firearms. The engagement, held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at the LBC Auditorium, was on the theme, “Building Violence-Free Campuses for a Safe and Secure Future Together.”
The session brought together about 100 students, security personnel and stakeholders for an interactive discussion on illicit small arms, the legal consequences of unauthorised firearm possession, and the collective responsibility required to sustain a peaceful and secure campus environment.
Delivering the opening address, the Dean of Students, Prof. Philomena Dadzie, reaffirmed UPSA’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where students can pursue their academic and personal development without fear of violence.
She noted that campus safety must remain a shared responsibility among students, university authorities, security agencies and the wider community. Prof. Dadzie therefore urged students to make informed choices, avoid any association with illicit firearms, and serve as ambassadors for peace within and beyond the University.
She further called for sustained dialogue between students and relevant state institutions, stressing that education, vigilance and responsible citizenship are critical to preventing violence and protecting young people from harmful influences.
Facilitators emphasised that repeated exposure to violent content can normalise aggression and weaken appreciation of the real-life consequences of firearm misuse. They therefore encouraged students to consume media responsibly and to challenge narratives that glorify violence.
As part of the engagement, participants examined selected incidents involving young people and gun-related offences to highlight the serious personal, legal and social consequences associated with illicit firearms. Students also actively engaged the facilitators with questions on self-defence laws, and practical ways of promoting safety on university campuses.
The programme forms part of NACSA’s ongoing engagements with tertiary institutions in the Greater Accra Region to promote peace, security and responsible citizenship among young people.
UPSA and NACSA reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration in addressing gun violence as a national security, education and community safety concern, underscoring that safe campuses are essential to peaceful learning environments and national development.
