Accra, June 23, 2026 – The Minister for the Interior has announced the successful conclusion of the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP), revealing that 4,038 unregistered firearms were surrendered to the Ghana Police Service during the exercise.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak described the programme as a significant step toward reducing the circulation of illicit firearms and strengthening public safety across the country.
The Gun Amnesty Programme, which was declared on November 18, 2025, officially ran from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026. It provided individuals possessing unregistered or illegal firearms with an opportunity to surrender or regularise them without fear of prosecution.
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed commended citizens who voluntarily complied with the initiative, describing their actions as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national peace and security.
He also praised traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community groups, and the media for supporting the campaign and helping to spread awareness nationwide.
According to the Minister, government will continue engaging traditional leaders on the use of firearms during cultural and ceremonial activities. He stressed that consultations will focus on ensuring proper firearm registration, tracing, safety standards, and training for individuals assigned ceremonial firearm responsibilities.
He further cautioned licensed arms dealers to operate strictly within the law, warning that any abuse of the licensing system or involvement in illegal firearm transactions would be dealt with decisively. He also warned individuals engaged in the smuggling and illegal sale of firearms that security agencies would intensify efforts to bring offenders to justice.
With the amnesty period now over, government is shifting its focus from voluntary compliance to full enforcement of firearm regulations. Law enforcement agencies will conduct intelligence-led operations, targeted searches, and surveillance activities to retrieve illegal weapons across the country.
The Minister emphasized that all firearms that fail to meet legal requirements will be confiscated, while individuals found in possession of illicit firearms will face arrest and prosecution. He also announced the activation of an informant reward system under which citizens who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal firearms will be rewarded.
Government has also introduced additional measures to strengthen border security and prevent the trafficking of illicit arms into the country.
As part of post-amnesty activities, the Ministry of the Interior, in collaboration with key security agencies and stakeholders, will hold the 8th Arms Destruction Ceremony on July 9, 2026, at the Police Depot in Tesano, Accra. More than 2,000 seized and surrendered firearms are expected to be destroyed during the event.
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed also reminded Private Security Organisations (PSOs) that the possession and use of firearms and ammunition remain prohibited under Regulation 13 of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571).
Concluding his remarks, the Minister expressed appreciation to regional ministers, security agencies, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the Information Services Department, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
He called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information, stressing that safeguarding the nation from gun violence requires collective responsibility.
“Together, let us continue to silence the guns for our own safety. Guns down, Ghana up,” the Minister stated.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
