Members of the National Assembly on Thursday, amended the Arms and Ammunition Bill 2008, in a bid to increase penalties for the offenders, which is expected to act as a deterrent to would-be offenders.

The maximum penalty for the worst offence under the Act is a fine not exceeding D5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years.

According to Ousman Sonko, the secretary of state for the Interior, these penalties may have been adequate in 1924, but are now quite unacceptable, bearing in mind the realities of our present age.

"The spate of murders, assignations, gun-running, grievous bodily harm, hijacking and terrorism, amongst others, require responsive action on the part of governments of nations of the world. The Gambia is not excluded, to take measures that will at least severely punish those who illegally deal in arms and ammunition," he stated.

SoS Sonko recalled that the Arms and Ammunition Act was enacted in November, 1924, to make provision for the regulation of matters relating to Arms and Ammunition. He noted that the Act prohibits, among other things, having firearms, arms of war or ammunition without authority, transporting of firearms without license, as well as manufacturing and assembling of firearms, arms of war or of ammunition, except at Arsenals established by the government.

For Bintanding Jarju, the NAM for Foni Berefect, the amendment is a positive move. She noted that Arms and Ammunition is a great concern to peaceful Gambia, adding that offenders sometimes do not care about charges that are levelled against them. But she expressed the belief that with this positive amendment, the peace and security of the country will be enhanced, as well as discourage would-be offenders.

Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the majority leader and NAM for Serekunda East, said any country where arms and ammunition are not controlled, its peace and security remains under constant threat.

Hon Haddy Nyang-Jagne of Jeshwang,, thanked the Interior secretary of state for such a giant move, and suggested a strong sensitisation campaign so as to eradicate the menace.