The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has declared gun amnesty for all persons with illicit weapons to submit them to security without fear of interrogation or prosecution.
The period is set to commence on December 1, 2025, and end on January 15, 2026, a six-week period.
The minister explained that within this period, points of submission would be designated for all persons wielding unregistered guns or sidearms to submit them to security personnel peacefully.
“Across our beloved nation, illicit arms have infiltrated our homes, workplaces, social gatherings, and even our schools. These weapons, unregistered and unlawfully held, are fueling armed robbery, violent disputes, chieftaincy and land conflict, and domestic violence.”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for Interior
The minister noted that these weapons fuel what begins as minor disagreements and twist them into bloodshed, tearing apart the bonds that hold our communities together.
He also stated that these illicit arms sow deep divisions in our societies, pitching neighbor against neighbor and tribe against tribe until trust is shattered.
“They rob us of fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters—lives that should be shaping the future of our country, Ghana.” He stated.
He further emphasized that each death is not just a statistic but a stolen dream, a silenced voice, and a broken promise to tomorrow.
“Let us not deceive ourselves; every illicit firearm in circulation is a silent threat. It may lie hidden in a cardboard box, under a bed, or buried in the bush, but at any moment it can destroy lives and families forever.
“We cannot continue to bury our loved ones while the tool of violence remains unchecked.”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for Interior
The minister stated that the statistics on the use of unregistered firearms are not something the country can continue to not seek solutions for.
He expressed his worry over the numerous armed robbery cases recorded in 2024 and the first half of 2025, ascribing this worrying trend to the use of illicit firearms.
“In 2024 alone, there were 1219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July this year, the statistics from the CID and the Ghana Police show that in the first half of the year alone, we have already had 628 armed robbery cases and 340 cases of murder.”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for Interior
He stated that all these crimes were committed through violent means and the use of illicit arms, emphasizing the urgent need to curb these crimes and save lives.
“That is why after a broad consultation with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, our security agencies, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and civil society, the government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has resolved to declare a gun amnesty.”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for Interior
The minister described this as a “bold and compassionate initiative to reduce illicit firearms in our country.”
He further emphasized that the gun amnesty program is a “window of grace” that has been offered to citizens to willingly submit any illicit weapons in their possession.
He emphasized that the initiative “offers every law-abiding Ghanaian who holds an unregistered or illicit firearm the opportunity to surrender it without fear of interrogation or arrest or even prosecution.”
The minister further emphasized that within the period of the amnesty, all those who voluntarily hands over such weapons at designated collection points will be commended, condemned
He added that such people will be recognized as patriots contributing to the peace and safety of the country.
He further warned that after the stipulated amnesty period, the law would be strictly applied to those still in possession and using them for violent acts.
He emphasized that the Ghana Police Service and all other security agencies will intensify operations on retrieving illicit firearms.
“Those who refuse this generous offer will be treated as criminals, and the consequences will be firm and uncompromising.”
The minister also stated that within this period there will be a suspension on the issuance of new firearms permits for the importation and sale.
He added that there will also be a temporal ban on the use of firearms in traditional celebrations, noting that engagements have taken place with traditional leaders for cooperation.
The minister further emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that the lives of Ghanaians are not unnecessarily lost to illicit firearms.
He therefore urged the general public to comply with these measures to ensure that the government’s initiative yields the needed results for lasting peace.
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