PHOTO: Atty. Vahkpanah Wymon, LNCA Chairman
By Aruna Goepogui
The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) is urging individuals in possession of unregistered firearms to come forward and register their weapons in compliance with Liberia’s arms control laws.
Speaking at the Charles Gbenyon press Hall in Monrovia Thursday, LiNCA Vice Chairman, Atty. Vahkpanah Wymon, stated the Commission is providing an opportunity for firearm holders to regularize their possession through proper registration, warning that the opportunity will not remain available indefinitely.
He emphasized that firearm registration is essential to strengthening accountability and providing national security and public safety institutions with accurate information on firearms in circulation across the country.
Wymon appealed to individuals who are currently in possession of firearms but have not declared them to take advantage of the ongoing registration process rather than allowing fear or misinformation to discourage them.
According to him, individuals with firearms are encouraged to visit the Commission’s headquarters and engage with its specialists and officers to understand the registration requirements and ensure their weapons are properly documented.
The LiNCA Vice Chairman said the Commission remains optimistic that firearm holders will respond positively to the appeal and voluntarily comply with the law. He disclosed that LiNCA’s Intelligence Bureau continues to conduct daily operations to identify firearms and ensure compliance with the country’s arms-control regulations.
Wymon cautioned firearm holders against assuming that they can permanently avoid the registration process, urging them to voluntarily come forward and regularize their possession through lawful and peaceful means.