By Philip Antoh
The Government of Ghana has launched a strong campaign against the spread of illegal firearms in the country, urging those with unregistered weapons to turn them in before it’s too late.
This announcement was made during a keynote speech on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, Alhaji, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, by the Deputy Minister Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, at the start of a Trainer-of-Trainers Workshop for the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP) at the Ghana Police Training School in Tesano, Accra.
The workshop gathers officers from the Ghana Police Service and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons to equip them with the necessary skills to carry out the nationwide gun amnesty program.
Hon. Terlabi, while presenting the Minister’s message, stated that the amnesty provides everyone with illegal or unregistered firearms a safe and legal chance to surrender these weapons to security forces without fear of questioning, arrest, or prosecution during the amnesty period.
He stressed that anyone who voluntarily submits their illegal firearm during this time will not face any penalties or inquiries before the opportunity ends.
However, he warned that the government would initiate a large-scale enforcement operation once the amnesty period concludes.
“This is a fair and patriotic opportunity for citizens to act responsibly,” he said. “But once the period is over, anyone found with an illegal firearm will face severe legal consequences.”
The Minister’s statement, read by Hon. Terlabi, pointed out the increasing danger posed by illegal firearms in Ghana, noting that they have contributed to a rise in armed robberies, disputes over chieftaincy and land, and other violent crimes. He emphasized that the government will no longer accept the unchecked spread of illegal weapons that threaten peace and stability.
He urged officers in training to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and compassion when interacting with the public, stressing that they should act as ambassadors of peace and trust to make the Gun Amnesty Programme successful.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that the National Arms Bill, which seeks to enhance the regulation and control of arms in the country, is nearing completion and will soon be sent to the Attorney-General’s Department for review.
Hon. Terlabi ended with a call to action: “Let us all seize this chance to eliminate illegal guns from our communities and ensure peace in Ghana. Together, we can take back our nation from the dangers of illegal arms.”