Gun Amnesty Launched: Surrender Unregistered Firearms Without Prosecution
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a national Gun Amnesty initiative to reduce the proliferation of illicit arms.
According to the Ministry, the amnesty will allow individuals in possession of unregistered or illegally held firearms to surrender them voluntarily without fear of arrest or prosecution.
Initially, reports indicated that the amnesty was to kick off on November 11, 2025 and run for six weeks. Other sources mention a closing date of December 31, 2025.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Ministry — in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) — to tackle the rising number of illicit firearms and curb gun violence.
Key Details & Measures
- Individuals who surrender firearms during the amnesty period will not be interrogated or prosecuted.
- The Ministry is working with local assemblies, regional ministers, and traditional leaders to ensure nationwide awareness.
- A temporary ban on the use of firearms during traditional festivities is in effect during the amnesty.
- Training workshops have begun for selected officers to support the programme’s rollout.
Why This Matters
Recent reports show a spike in gun-related incidents across the country. The Interior Ministry argues that removing illicit weapons from circulation is critical to restoring public safety.
However, the firearm registration system in Ghana remains manual, making tracking and enforcement challenging.
Call to Action
The Ministry is encouraging all persons with unregistered firearms to take advantage of this window. Regional authorities have already begun community sensitization to ensure compliance.
Warning: After the amnesty period ends, anyone found with an unregistered firearm will face prosecution under Ghanaian law.
Sources: Ministry of Interior, NACSA, Ghanaian Times, ModernGhana, Small Arms Commission
