Government to launch nationwide gun amnesty to curb rising firearm violence

The Government of Ghana is set to roll out a nationwide gun amnesty in the coming days in a bid to curb the growing proliferation of illicit firearms and gun-related violence.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), will allow individuals in possession of unregistered or illegal weapons to surrender them voluntarily without facing arrest or prosecution.

In a statement issued by NACSA on Monday, October 27, the Commission expressed deep concern over the increasing use of unregistered guns, warning that the trend has turned minor disputes and social gatherings into deadly confrontations.

“The rising circulation of illegal firearms poses a serious threat to national peace and security,” the statement said.

Under the upcoming Gun Amnesty Programme, citizens who surrender weapons during the designated period will be exempted from legal consequences. The exercise will be conducted in partnership with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies.

“This is not a witch hunt or a move to prosecute anyone,” NACSA clarified. “It is about saving lives, preventing tragedy, and giving Ghanaians a chance to choose peace over violence.”

The Commission appealed to individuals who have hidden, buried, or stored firearms illegally to take advantage of the opportunity. “Every gun surrendered represents one less instrument of fear and one more step toward a peaceful Ghana,” it added.

NACSA urged the public to support the programme by raising awareness within their communities. It emphasised that national unity and cooperation are vital to ending the culture of gun violence.

For further details, the public has been directed to contact the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons at 059 907 0944.