Government to Roll Out Gun Amnesty Policy to Curb Illicit Firearms in Ghana

The Government of Ghana has announced plans to introduce a nationwide gun amnesty policy aimed at addressing the growing proliferation of illicit firearms and the associated rise in gun-related violence across the country.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), the initiative, set to take effect in the coming days, will allow individuals in possession of unregistered or illegal weapons to voluntarily surrender them to the authorities without facing prosecution. The move forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen internal security and reduce the circulation of small arms in civilian hands.

In a statement released by NACSA and signed by its Executive Secretary, Jones Applerh, the Commission explained that the amnesty will provide Ghanaians with an opportunity to hand over illicit firearms to the police or designated collection points across all regions. “The amnesty is not a punishment but a window for citizens to support government’s efforts to make our communities safer,” the statement said.

Officials say the policy will run for a limited period and will be followed by stricter enforcement actions against individuals or groups found in possession of unlicensed firearms after the deadline. The campaign also seeks to build public trust and collaboration with local communities, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations in tracking and controlling the movement of illegal arms.

The Interior Ministry emphasized that the misuse of firearms has contributed to a worrying surge in violent crimes, including armed robbery, land disputes, and communal clashes, particularly in urban centers and border areas. “The government is determined to restore order and curb the rising gun culture that threatens national peace and stability,” an official from the ministry stated.

Security analysts have long warned that the unchecked spread of small arms in Ghana poses a serious risk to national security, as the country continues to serve as both a transit and destination point for arms trafficking in West Africa. Many weapons are believed to have entered the country through porous borders or been locally manufactured without authorization.

The amnesty initiative, they argue, could be a decisive step in reducing the stockpile of illegal arms if implemented effectively and backed by consistent public education. “Disarmament is not just about collecting weapons; it’s about building a culture of peace and trust between citizens and law enforcement,” noted a security expert who spoke to 3News.

NACSA has indicated that after the amnesty window closes, law enforcement agencies will intensify operations to confiscate and prosecute offenders found with unlicensed guns. The Commission also urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the policy while it lasts, adding that similar exercises in the past have successfully reduced gun-related crimes in parts of the country.

This initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitments under international conventions such as the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which calls for member states to combat illicit arms trafficking and promote responsible firearm ownership.

As the rollout of the gun amnesty approaches, the government is expected to engage in a nationwide sensitization campaign, encouraging citizens to cooperate fully in making the exercise a success.

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