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
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The sensitisation session, which reached over 650 participants, explored the real consequences of small arms misuse and underscored the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. Led by Mr Emmanuel Ahwireng, an Assistant Programmes Officer of the Commission, the discussion highlighted how exposure to weapons, peer pressure and unresolved disagreements can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations.
The NACSA Team also shed light on the legal implications of firearm misuse, emphasising that illegal possession constitutes a serious offence classified as a first-degree felony, carrying a minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.
Beyond raising awareness, students were encouraged to see themselves as champions of peace by choosing dialogue over confrontation and resisting negative influences.
The engagement concluded with school authorities reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment, while urging students to participate in peace clubs and remain vigilant through the “See Something, Say Something” initiative.


