The Command attributed the situation to misinformation that was being circulated in the rural areas that the exercise was a ploy by the police to seize weapons from their owners. A statement signed by Mr George Anko-Bil, the Regional Police Commander, explained that the move was a nation-wide exercise to compile data on the number of arms and ammunition in the system in order to check their misuse.

The statement said the few who presented their guns for registration got them back on the very day they were re-registered.

It said the police believed in the need for people to protect themselves against criminals in any lawful manner and would do nothing to cripple their defense systems.

The statement appealed to those who are yet to present their firearms for re-registration to do so without the fear of losing them.

In a related development, Mr Anko-Bil, has appealed to communities in the region to be security conscious and establish neighbourhood watch committees to reduce the threat posed by armed robbers and other criminals.

He said there could be no development within communities of fear and insecurity and regretted that in some communities, the people refused to report criminals to the security agencies, adding: "such unpatriotic behaviour retards progress and development of the nation."

Speaking at a meeting with the chiefs and people of the Wa West District at Dorimon, he asked them to forge closer links with the police under the concept of community policing, in order to protect themselves, their property and reduce the fear of crime.

The people initiated the meeting to seek assistance from the police to establish neighbourhoods watch committee to fight the increased criminal activities in the area.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Andrews Sambah, Wa Municipal Police Commander, said the community neighbourhood watch committee was purely a voluntary organisation therefore, the members should not expect financial rewards.

He advised the people to hand over suspects arrested to the police for the necessary action but not subject them to any form of punishment.

Naa Sohamininye Danaa Gore II, Paramount Chief of the Dorimon Traditional Area, commended the Upper West Regional Police Commander for the prompt respond to their call and pledged the commitment of the people to promote and maintain peace and order in the area.

He said in the past, there was a vibrant neighbourhood watch committee established in the area but the members relaxed in their operations when there was peace and order only for the menace of criminals to resurface.