Interior Minister announces nationwide ban and amnesty on illegal firearms
Ghana is making a significant move to combat the increasing prevalence of illegal firearms.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has declared a six-week national gun amnesty aimed at removing hazardous weapons from residences, public areas, and communities. He noted that illegal firearms are now present in educational institutions, workplaces, funerals, and festivals, leading to incidents of robbery, homicide, and violent disputes.
Every illegal firearm, he stated, is “a silent threat” that has the potential to devastate a family at any time.
During a press conference held on November 18, 2025, the Minister disclosed alarming statistics. In 2024, Ghana experienced 1,219 cases of robbery and 552 cases of murder.
By July of this year, there had already been 628 robbery incidents and 340 murder cases, many of which involved illegal firearms.
This is the reason the government is providing the public with an opportunity to surrender unregistered firearms from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, without fear of arrest or punishment.
Individuals who turn in a firearm will be recognised as patriots contributing to the safety of Ghana.
Throughout the six-week amnesty period, the government is prohibiting all forms of gun usage at funerals, festivals, and celebrations. What were once simple displays of gunpowder have escalated to the firing of pump-action shotguns, pistols, AK-47s, and even G3 rifles at events.
The Minister stressed that the government does not wish to engage in conflicts with traditional leaders; however, during this brief period, no firearms should be visible anywhere.
Following the amnesty, the government will collaborate with chiefs to provide training and regulation for individuals who manage ceremonial gunpowder, ensuring that traditions can be upheld safely.
The Minister also revealed enhanced security protocols. Border inspections will now incorporate sophisticated weapon-detection technology, moving beyond traditional metal detectors. Following the amnesty, law enforcement and security organisations will initiate vigorous operations aimed at recovering illegal firearms and apprehending violators.
Their focus will be on areas with high criminal activity, gangs, and established networks. Initiatives for public awareness, discussions with chiefs and regional ministers, and training programs for amnesty officers are currently in progress to guarantee effectiveness.
Mr. Mubarak appealed to chiefs, pastors, imams, influential community members, and the media to assist in disseminating the message. He stated that Ghana’s children deserve playgrounds, not battlegrounds, and families deserve laughter, not funerals.
He encouraged all citizens to relinquish illegal firearms and opt for dialogue rather than violence. “Guns down, Ghana up,” he proclaimed, reminding everyone that a peaceful nation starts with the decisions we make today.