Over 628 robberies, 340 gun-related murders recorded - Muntaka details

The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has expressed concern about the growing proliferation of illegal arms in the country.

Addressing the nation on the ministry’s declaration of a gun amnesty initiative on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Muntaka stated that the statistics on illegal firearms linked to criminal activities in the country are cause for concern.

LIVESTREAMED: Interior minister addresses Ghanaians on gun amnesty declaration

He explained that as of July 2025, data from the security agencies indicated about 628 cases of robbery and 340 murder cases involving illicit arms had been recorded.

This, he said, reflects a sharp increase compared to 2024, when 1,219 robbery cases and 522 murder cases were documented.

“The statistics is not looking good at all. In 2024 alone, there were 1,219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July, this year, the statistics from the CID and the Ghana police shows that, half of the year alone, we've already had 628 cases of armed robbery and 340 cases of murder. All of it, people used violent means to achieve this, and the use of illicit arms,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the gun amnesty, the minister stated that it is intended to reduce the flow of illegal firearms in the country, a decision that was made following consultations with stakeholders.

“That is why, after a broad consultation with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons and our security agencies, traditional leaders, religious organisations, and Civil Society, the government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has resolved to declare a gun amnesty, a bold and compassionate initiative to reduce illicit firearms in our country,” he explained.

Muntaka added that individuals who willingly surrender their illegal arms during the period scheduled by the government will not face prosecution or arrest.

However, he warned that individuals who fail to comply with the directive after the amnesty window will be treated as criminals.

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“The gun amnesty program is a window of grace. It offers every law-abiding Ghanaian who holds an already set or illicit firearm the opportunity to surrender it without fear of interrogation or arrests or even prosecution. From the 1st of December 2025 to the 15th of January 2026, any person who voluntarily hands over such weapons will be recognized as a patriot contributing to the peace and safety of our nation,” Muntaka said.

“But let me be clear, when this amnesty period ends, the law will take its full course. The Ghana Police Service and all security agencies will intensify operations to recover illicit arms. Those who refuse these generous offers will be treated as criminals and the consequences will be firm and uncompromising,” he warned.

MAG/EB

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