The Ministry of the Interior, in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) and the Ghana Police Service (GPS), has commenced a Trainer of Trainers Workshop for the National Gun Amnesty Programme, aimed at reducing the proliferation and misuse of firearms in the country.
The workshop, held in Accra last Thursday, is designed to equip selected officers with the technical knowledge and operational protocols required for the amnesty programme, while preparing them to serve as ambassadors for its nationwide rollout.
Speaking at the opening session, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, expressed concern about the increasing incidents of gun-related violence in Ghana.
He assured the public that the amnesty initiative is not a trap, but rather an opportunity for citizens to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms and help improve national safety.
“The goal is simple but urgent: to remove illicit firearms from circulation, enhance public safety, and reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a haven of peace and security in West Africa,” he said.
Mr. Terlabi urged participants to perform their duties with honesty, patience, and respect for every individual they encounter, emphasizing the importance of building public trust and maintaining confidentiality throughout the exercise.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Small Arms Commission, Dr. Adam Bonaa, described the initiative as a major step toward implementing one of Ghana’s most comprehensive firearm amnesty programmes since independence.
He noted that the training seeks to provide officers with the essential knowledge and skills to serve as trainers in their respective Regions and Districts.
The workshop brought together officers from the Ministry of the Interior, representatives from police districts nationwide, and officials of NACSA.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
