Ghana joins 'Cluster Munitions-free Coalition'

Ghana has been included in the 34 African countries adopting an Action Plan with the ultimate aim of a cluster munitions-free Africa. A Regional meeting held in Ghana's capital, Accra has concluded with a strong Action Plan globally on the ban of cluster bombs. 

The Action Plan lays out practical steps to promote and achieve continent-wide membership of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which comprehensively prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of these weapons.

The document reaffirms the partnership between states, the UN, and civil society to achieve the goals of the treaty and ensure it is fully implemented at the national level.

"Africa has been motivated by putting an end to the devastating harm these weapons cause to civilians, and for this reason it has been a pioneering continent in banning cluster bombs," said Ms.

Afi Yakubu of the Foundation for Security and Development (FOSDA), the Cluster Munitions Coalition's (CMC) national member in Ghana.

"African countries have urged each other to unite and lead the way in ensuring all governments in the region join the treaty" Ms. Yakubu said.

Countries in attendance voiced clear support for the universalisation of the treaty. Mauritius, which is yet to join the treaty, said its National Humanitarian Law Committee will soon consider whether it can accede to the Convention's terms.

A total number of 34 African states took part in the conference including three that are yet to ratify the Convention - Eritrea, Mauritius and Zimbabwe.

Another 18 African countries have signed, but still need to ratify as well as 13 full States Parties.