The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry for the Interior and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), has announced plans to roll out a Gun Amnesty Programme aimed at reducing the proliferation of illicit firearms and curbing gun-related violence across the country.
In a press release issued in Accra and signed by the Executive Secretary of NACSA, Dr. Adam A. A. Bonaa, the Commission expressed deep concern over the increasing use of illicit firearms, which have contributed to the rising incidents of violence, crime, and loss of lives in communities nationwide.
According to the statement, the amnesty will give individuals in possession of unregistered or illegal firearms the opportunity to surrender them voluntarily without facing arrest, interrogation, or prosecution. The programme seeks to promote peace, safety, and unity by reducing the number of unauthorized weapons in circulation.
“No questions will be asked, no charges will be pressed during the period; just freedom and peace offered to all,” the statement read.
The Commission said the decision, taken under the leadership of the Minister for the Interior and in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, forms part of broader efforts to combat the spread of small arms and light weapons.
The release noted that illicit firearms have “crept quietly into our homes, markets, streets, and social gatherings,” turning minor disputes and celebrations into violent confrontations. It therefore urged citizens to embrace the amnesty as a collective step towards ending gun violence.
“When you surrender your gun, you are not giving up power; you are reclaiming peace,” NACSA stated. “You are protecting lives, including your own. You are saying ‘No’ to gun crime, ‘No’ to gun violence, and ‘Yes’ to Ghana.”
NACSA further appealed to Ghanaians to prepare to surrender any hidden or unregistered weapons once the amnesty period is declared, stressing that each firearm handed in represents one less instrument of fear and one more step toward a peaceful nation.
Citizens seeking further information on the upcoming programme have been encouraged to contact the Commission on 059 907 0944.
The release concluded with a reminder that, “Gun amnesty is coming, so get ready to surrender your firearm to secure your own future.”
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