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The National Commission on Small Arms and Weapons (NCSW) has urged a comprehensive audit of books used for children aged two to seven, warning that certain illustrations could unintentionally normalize violence.
The commission notes that children in this developmental stage often struggle to distinguish between representations in books, cartoons and the real world, making them susceptible to accepting weapon‑related symbols as normal. Rather than altering the national curriculum, NCSW recommends customizing teaching materials to make them more child‑appropriate and violence‑free.
Speaking at a stakeholder forum, Dr. Dereck Oppong, Clinical psychologist & a lecturer of University of Cape Coast lecturer echoed the call, emphasizing the timeliness of the issue amid increasing exposure to harmful visual content both in print and online. He stressed the need to monitor digital platforms that serve as educational resources and to initiate conversations about weapon imagery, aiming to nurture a more responsible generation.
The deputy executive secretary of the commission, Mohammed Salam also highlighted concerns about images that blur fantasy and reality—such as using the letter “G” to represent a gun.
The commission’s appeal seeks to ensure that early‑learning books and digital content do not inadvertently glorify weapons, thereby safeguarding young minds during their most impressionable years.
