We’ll consider ‘exchange for cash’ to recover illegal firearms – Muntaka

The Minister-Designate for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has revealed plans to explore a “firearms-for-cash” program as part of a broader initiative to address the growing proliferation of illegal weapons in Ghana.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, January 24, the Asawase MP underscored the need for innovative and voluntary approaches to recover illegal firearms from private hands.

“I can assure that with my team, we will look at recovering illegal firearms because there may even be people who may be having it but may even be afraid that it will be seen on them because there may be a reason when they wanted it but no longer want it,” he said.

Muntaka highlighted that an amnesty program could be introduced, allowing individuals to return illegal weapons without fear of prosecution. Additionally, he proposed offering financial incentives to encourage people to surrender their firearms willingly.

“We can grant some amnesty window for them to return it and probably look at exchange for cash or some kind and look at exchange of weapons for cash,” he explained.

The Minister-Designate stressed the urgency of the situation, linking the availability of illegal firearms to an increase in violent crimes, armed robberies, and community conflicts. He emphasized that recovering these weapons is not just about enforcing laws but also about ensuring public safety and fostering peace.

If approved, Muntaka plans to implement this initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb the circulation of illegal firearms and improve security across the country.