Gun Amnesty
The Gun Amnesty Programme is a national safety initiative launched by the Ministry of the Interior, in partnership with the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and the National Commission on Small Arms & Light Weapons (NACSA), to reduce the number of unlicensed and illegally held firearms across the country.
During the amnesty window—1st December 2025 to 30th January 2026—individuals can voluntarily surrender firearms and ammunition without fear of arrest or prosecution for unlawful possession at the time of surrender.
This programme aims to strengthen public safety, prevent crime, and reduce gun-related injuries by removing dangerous weapons from circulation.
Purpose of the Gun Amnesty Programme
Illegal and unregistered firearms play a major role in violent crime, armed robbery, domestic incidents, and accidental shootings. Many such weapons are inherited, found, or kept unknowingly in violation of firearm laws.
The Gun Amnesty Programme provides a safe, confidential, and penalty-free way for individuals to hand over these weapons.
By participating, you help:
Reduce armed violence
Prevent firearm accidents
Support law enforcement efforts
Improve community safety
Promote responsible weapon handling
Who Can Surrender a Firearm?
Anyone who possesses:
An unlicensed firearm
A firearm with expired documentation
Ammunition not tied to a licensed gun
A firearm found, inherited, or acquired informally
…may safely surrender it during the amnesty period without legal consequences.
How to Surrender a Firearm Safely
To ensure safety and compliance with the amnesty guidelines, follow these steps:
1. Conceal the firearm and ammunition securely
Use a bag, box, or sack. Do not carry firearms openly.
2. Separate the ammunition from the firearm
Place ammunition in a different bag from the gun.
3. Visit the nearest Police District station
Go to any station between 1st December 2025 and 15th January 2026.
4. Inform the officer on duty
State clearly that you are surrendering a firearm under the Gun Amnesty Programme.
5. Receive your official receipt
The police will record the firearm and issue a receipt as proof of surrender.
6. Keep the receipt safely
It serves as official documentation that you complied with the amnesty.
Your Contribution to National Safety
By surrendering unauthorized firearms, you help:
Protect families and communities
Reduce violent crime
Prevent accidental shootings
Promote peace and national security
The Ministry of the Interior, Ghana Police Service, and National Commission on Small Arms & Light Weapons encourage all citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to make Ghana safer.
Head of State
Ministers
Executive Secretary
Social media
As part of efforts to strengthen public awareness on the dangers of illicit arms proliferation and gun-related violence, officers of the NACSA Office in Aflao in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education took to the airwaves on 1st April, 2026, to engage the public.
The programme which was live on Holy FM formed part of ongoing community engagement efforts aimed at educating citizens particularly women, youth and community leaders on the risks associated with illicit arms proliferation and the role of the public in safeguarding peace and security.
During the discussion, Mr. Micheal Tettey, Head of the NACSA Office in Aflao, explained the legal framework regulating firearms in Ghana, including the Arms and Ammunition Decree, 1972, and highlighted the mandate of the Commission which is to prevent, combat and eradicate the proliferation of illicit arms and related materials.
The conversation also explored how illicit firearms find their way into civilian circulation, the broader security risks they pose to communities, and the importance of collective vigilance in preventing gun-related violence.
Listeners actively participated through phone-in contributions, with some commending the Commission for the public education initiative while others sought clarification on reporting mechanisms and personal safety when providing information. Mr. Wisdom Adika, a Programmes Officer of the NACSA Office in Aflao reassured the public that individuals who report criminal activities are protected under the Whistleblower Act, 2006.
By engaging communities through accessible platforms such as community radio, traditional and social media, the Commission continues to strengthen public understanding of arms control issues and encourage citizens to play an active role in promoting a peaceful, safe and gun-violence-free Ghana.
#ArmsControl #IllicitArms #PublicEducation #CommunitySafety #Ghana


