Surrender illicit firearms now or face prosecution - Interior minister warns

The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has warned that security agencies will launch intensified stop-and-search operations, random swoops and targeted house searches across the country after January 15, 2026, as part of efforts to clamp down on the possession of illegal firearms.

Speaking during a community engagement in the Upper West on Thursday, December 17, 2025, he said areas identified as potential arms hotspots would be cordoned off and searched once the amnesty window for unregistered firearms expires.

“We are going to intensify stop and search. We are going to be doing random sweeps. Areas that we know there’s likelihood of arms, we will go in, surround houses and do those kinds of searches,” he cautioned.

Muntaka explained that ahead of the crackdown, the government has opened a nationwide amnesty period to allow individuals in possession of unregistered firearms to voluntarily declare or surrender them without fear of questioning or prosecution.

“Every arm that you see with someone that is illicit is a potential threat to somebody’s life, that’s why we are opening. If you have it and you’ve not registered, come forward and let us know its presence," Muntaka said.

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He further indicated that persons who believe they are not fit to own firearms should take advantage of the window to hand them over.

“If you know you are not the type who should be holding that firearm, surrender it to us. And we are not going to be asking where did you get it or how did you get it. Between now and January 15,” he noted.

According to him, anyone found in possession of illegal firearms after the deadline will face strict enforcement, as the initiative is aimed at reducing violent crime and protecting lives.

Ghana launches six-week national gun amnesty to curb illicit firearms

Ghana has launched a nationwide gun amnesty program, allowing citizens to surrender illicit firearms without prosecution.

The program, which runs from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, aims to reduce gun violence and promote public safety.

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