By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Jan. 12 ,GNA- The Government of Ghana is considering extending the ongoing Gun Amnesty Programme following appeal by stakeholders.
This development was disclosed during a stakeholder engagement at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority premises within the Kotoka International Airport.
The event brought together key officials from the Ministry of the Interior, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and various security experts to assess the impact of the initiative.
Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, indicated that the ministry was evaluating the possibility of granting more time to citizens to surrender illicit firearms.
He noted that while the programme has seen a positive response, the government remained committed to ensuring that as many unregistered weapons as possible were removed from the streets without the threat of prosecution for those who complied.
He emphasised that the primary focus remained on national security and public safety.
Studies by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra have consistently drawn a correlation between the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the rise in armed robbery, land conflicts, and chieftaincy disputes in Ghana.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) reports that the proliferation of illicit arms is a key enabler for transnational organized crime networks operating across West Africa, including drug and human trafficking routes that affect Ghana.
While Ghana has a relatively low homicide rate compared to global averages, data from the Ghana Police Service often cites the use of illicit firearms in a significant percentage of violent crimes and fatal accidents.
Dr. Adam Bonaa, Executive Secretary of the Commission, stated that a longer window would allow for broader sensitization across the country.
He remarked that the current development suggested that more individuals were willing to step forward if given the opportunity.
Dr. Bonaa explained that the collaborative effort between the state and the public is essential to reducing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the sub-region.
The engagement session featured presentations on the implementation of the amnesty and an open forum where participants discussed the role of various stakeholders in ensuring a gun-free society.
Mr. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Minister for the Interior, announced a Gun Amnesty from Dec 1, 2025, to Jan 15, 2026.
Under “Silencing the guns to save our lives,” individuals can surrender unregistered or illicit firearms without fear of arrest or prosecution.
The initiative, following broad consultations, aims to reduce illegal weapons in circulation and enhance national safety.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong