The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a nationwide gun amnesty program aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit firearms, which he described as a growing threat to peace and security across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister warned that unregistered and unlawfully held weapons have infiltrated homes, workplaces, social gatherings, and even schools, fueling armed robbery, violent disputes, land conflicts, and domestic violence. “Every illicit firearm in circulation is a silent threat,” he cautioned, noting that such weapons can turn minor disagreements into deadly confrontations.
Statistics presented by the Minister underscored the urgency of the initiative. In 2024 alone, Ghana recorded 1,219 robberies and 552 murders. As of July 2025, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Ghana Police Service had already documented 628 armed robbery cases and 340 murders in just half the year, many linked to the use of illicit arms.
Following broad consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, security agencies, traditional leaders, religious organizations, and civil society, government has resolved to declare a gun amnesty period.
Running from December 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, the program offers Ghanaians holding unregistered or illicit firearms the opportunity to surrender them at designated collection points without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution. “You will be recognized as a patriot, contributing to the peace and safety of our nation,” the Minister assured.
However, he stressed that once the amnesty window closes, the law will take its full course against anyone found in possession of illegal weapons.
The initiative, described as both bold and compassionate, is expected to significantly reduce the number of illicit arms in circulation and strengthen Ghana’s efforts to safeguard lives and communities.
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