By Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra | June 23, 2026
The government has announced a nationwide intensification of intelligence-led operations against illegal firearms following the conclusion of the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP), which resulted in the surrender of 4,038 unregistered firearms.
Addressing a press conference at the Information Service Department (ISD) Conference Room in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister for the Interior said the end of the amnesty marks a transition from voluntary compliance to the full enforcement of firearms laws across the country.
The Gun Amnesty Programme, declared on November 18, 2025, officially commenced on December 1, 2025, and ended on January 30, 2026. According to the Minister, the initiative was introduced to reduce the circulation of illicit and unregistered firearms and strengthen peace and public safety nationwide.
He disclosed that a total of 4,038 unregistered firearms were voluntarily surrendered to the Ghana Police Service during the programme, while several other individuals initiated processes to regularise their weapons in accordance with the law.
The Minister commended Ghanaians who participated in the exercise, describing their actions as patriotic and a demonstration of commitment to national peace and security.
He also praised traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations, opinion leaders, the media and community groups for their advocacy and support, which he said contributed significantly to the programme’s success.
According to him, government will continue consultations with chiefs and other stakeholders on the use of firearms during traditional activities to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations while respecting cultural practices.
The Minister indicated that efforts would be made to streamline firearm use during traditional ceremonies, improve the marking and tracing of authorised firearms and provide training for individuals assigned ceremonial firearm duties.
He further cautioned licensed arms dealers to operate strictly within the law, stressing that any abuse of the licensing regime or involvement in illegal arms trafficking would attract severe sanctions.
“Any deviation, complicity or abuse of the licensing regime will be dealt with decisively,” he warned, adding that authorities would also pursue individuals engaged in the smuggling and illegal sale of firearms.
The Minister noted that although registration processes had begun for persons who declared their intention to regularise their firearms, approval would not be automatic. He explained that applicants would undergo background checks as well as firearms safety and competency training before their firearms could be registered.
With the expiration of the amnesty, he announced that joint security operations, targeted searches, swoops at identified hotspots and surveillance of criminal networks would be intensified to retrieve illicit firearms.
He warned that all firearms that fail to meet legal requirements would be confiscated, while persons found in possession of illegal weapons would be arrested and prosecuted.
In addition, the Minister revealed that an informant regime would be activated to reward individuals who provide credible information leading to the retrieval of illicit firearms.
Government, he said, has also implemented additional measures to strengthen border security and curb the trafficking of illicit arms into the country.
As part of 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 and other stakeholders, will organise the 8th Arms Destruction Ceremony on July 9, 2026, at the Police Depot in Tesano, Accra.
The ceremony will witness the destruction of more than 2,000 seized and surrendered firearms.
The Minister also cautioned all Private Security Organisations (PSOs) and their personnel against possessing or using firearms and ammunition, reminding them that such actions are prohibited under Regulation 13 of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571).
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information, stressing that sustaining the gains made under the Gun Amnesty Programme would require continued cooperation and respect for the rule of law.
“Together, let us continue to silence the guns for our own safety. Guns down, Ghana up,” the Minister stated.
