The Ghana Police Service has arrested 26 persons for brandishing and indiscriminate firing of toy guns in a public place. The suspects are currently assisting with investigations and will be put before court to face justice.
A new trend has emerged in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, where youth are turning streets, malls, and neighborhoods into battlegrounds with toy guns, sparking mixed reactions from the public.
Videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter) show groups of young people engaging in mock battles, sometimes mimicking robbery scenarios. The toy guns, some fitted with firecrackers that light up when fired, add a sense of drama to the spectacle.
These playful clashes occur during the day on busy streets and even at night, with some incidents drawing the attention of police. In one viral video, an officer investigating the commotion was surprised to find the Ghanaian youth armed with toy guns.
Meanwhile, a quantity of toy guns have been retrieved from these suspects as part of Police investigation into the menace. Police special operations are currently underway to arrest others involved in this act which is becoming a trend in some parts of the country.
While the activity appears to be for entertainment and no ill intentions have been reported, concerns are growing among citizens. Many fear that the trend could be misused by individuals with malicious motives, particularly in the lead-up to the elections.
“We, hereby, caution the youth to desist from this act as it constitutes the offence of offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace contrary to section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) amongst others. We would like to once again assure the public that the Police will do all that it takes for our beloved country to continue to be at peace with herself,” the police said.
