The Ghana Police Service recently announced the arrest of 26 individuals for brandishing and firing toy guns, a practice the police say violates Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29). This move has sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians, with some supporting the crackdown to prevent potential misuse by criminals, while others criticize it as excessive.
The toy gun trend originated in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, where young Ghanaians started reminiscing about their childhood by playing with toy guns. Videos of this activity went viral on social media, prompting others to join the fun. However, concerns were raised by well-meaning citizens, warning that criminals might exploit the craze.
Weighing in on the matter, Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale described the arrests as “primitive” and unnecessary. In a social media post, he criticized the police for failing to guide the youth during the festive season instead of arresting them. Shatta Wale wrote, “Arresting ghetto youth for playing with toy guns and failing to guide them on Christmas celebration is the most primitive act in 2024. THE TRUTH – UNLESS THEY KEEL GOD #”
Shatta Wale argued that the young people could be better supported and guided by the authorities rather than criminalized for what he sees as harmless festive fun.
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