The government has retrieved 4,038 unregistered firearms following the successful completion of the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP), the Minister for the Interior has announced.
Addressing a press conference at the Information Services Department (ISD) Conference Room in Accra on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Interior Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mubarack Muntaka said the programme, which ran from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to reduce the circulation of illicit firearms and improve public safety.
The Minister explained that the initiative provided an opportunity for individuals in possession of unregistered or illicit firearms to voluntarily surrender them or begin the process of regularising their weapons without fear.
He commended Ghanaians who participated in the programme, describing their actions as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national peace and security.
“Many individuals voluntarily surrendered their unregistered or illicit firearms, while others took steps to regularise their firearms in line with the law,” the Minister said.
He also praised traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and community groups for their support in educating citizens about the importance of the programme.
The Minister said the conclusion of the Gun Amnesty Programme does not mark the end of government’s efforts to address illegal firearms but signals a shift from voluntary compliance to strict enforcement of firearm laws.
He disclosed that registration processes began in February for individuals who expressed interest in having their firearms regularised during the amnesty period.
However, he stressed that registration would not be automatic, as applicants would be subjected to background checks and, where necessary, firearm safety and competency training before approval.
According to him, persons who qualify will be required to pay new fees and charges approved by Parliament before their firearms are officially registered.
The Interior Minister warned that security agencies would intensify intelligence-led operations across the country following the expiration of the amnesty period.
He said the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies would conduct targeted searches, swoops at identified hotspots, surveillance operations and other measures aimed at retrieving illegal firearms.
“All firearms that do not meet the requisite legal requirements will be confiscated, and any person found in possession of an illicit firearm will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he cautioned.
He added that the government would activate an informant system to reward individuals who provide credible information leading to the identification of persons possessing illegal firearms.
The Minister also announced measures to strengthen border security against the trafficking of illicit arms into the country.
As part of the post-amnesty activities, the Ministry of the Interior, in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the National Security Council Secretariat and other stakeholders, will hold the 8th Arms Destruction Ceremony on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Police Depot, Tesano, Accra.
More than 2,000 seized and surrendered firearms are expected to be destroyed during the exercise.
The Minister further cautioned Private Security Organisations (PSOs) and their personnel that the possession and use of firearms and ammunition are prohibited under Regulation 13 of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571).
He urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information and to reject the culture of silence that allows illegal firearms to remain in circulation.
“Ghana’s destiny is too precious to be threatened by illicit firearms. Our children deserve schools and playgrounds, not fear and funerals,” he said.
The Minister commended the Regional Ministers, National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ghana Police Service, Information Services Department, and other partners for their role in ensuring the success of the Gun Amnesty Programme.
He called for continued cooperation among citizens and state institutions to build a safer and more peaceful Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
