Gun Amnesty Programme Extended to January 30, 2026 – Interior Minister

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced the extension of the Gun Amnesty Programme from its original deadline to January 30, 2026, following appeals from key stakeholders.

The programme, which was launched on December 1, 2025, is aimed at reducing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, improving conflict management, and strengthening fire and rescue services across the country.

Mr Muntaka made the announcement while addressing the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council’s New Year Retreat with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Kumasi last Friday. The retreat was held on the theme “Retreat, Re-organize, and Redirect Towards the Reset Agenda.”

He disclosed that the Gun Amnesty Programme has so far recorded encouraging outcomes, with strong support from civil society organizations and traditional authorities, who have actively backed mop-up efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities.

Calling for collective action to enhance security in the Ashanti Region, the Interior Minister stressed the critical role of MMDCEs in maintaining peace and security.

He expressed concern about the rising incidence of violent crime, particularly those involving firearms, and urged local government leaders to take ownership of the Gun Amnesty Programme and other security initiatives.

According to him, Ghana’s crime index stood at 45.35 percent in 2025, while gun-related incidents increased by 253 percent, underscoring the urgent need for decisive intervention.

He encouraged MMDCEs to actively champion the programme by organizing town hall meetings, working closely with chiefs and opinion leaders to encourage voluntary surrender of firearms, and regularly reporting progress to the Ministry of the Interior.

The Minister further urged MMDCEs to support local security structures, promote collaboration with traditional leaders, and adopt proactive measures to address emerging security challenges within their jurisdictions.

Mr Muntaka assured the public of the Ministry’s commitment to implementing effective policies to tackle security threats, emphasising that sustained collaboration among stakeholders is key to building a safer and more secure Ghana.

He reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to work with all partners to promote peace, security, and national stability.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD