Gov’t to roll out national gun amnesty to tackle illegal weapons – Small arms commission

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) says the government is preparing to declare a nationwide gun amnesty programme in the coming days as part of efforts to tackle the growing circulation of illegal firearms and rising gun-related violence across the country.

In a statement, NACSA expressed deep concern over what it described as the increasing infiltration of illicit weapons into communities, homes, social gatherings and traditional events.

The Commission warned that the presence of these weapons has been fueling violent conflicts and needless loss of lives.

According to NACSA, the Minister for the Interior is currently reviewing policy proposals—including the amnesty programme—as a major step toward reducing the number of unregistered firearms in circulation.

“These illicit firearms have turned small quarrels into funerals, land disputes into wars, misunderstandings into gun fights, and traditional celebrations into mourning,” the Commission said.

“They are gradually writing stories of fear, death, crime, sorrow and regret in our societies.”

Under the proposed gun amnesty, any person in possession of an unregistered or illegal weapon will be allowed to surrender it to security agencies without being arrested, interrogated or prosecuted.

NACSA explained that the purpose is not to criminalize gun owners, but to restore peace and protect communities.

“No questions will be asked, no charges will be pressed during the period; just freedom and peace offered to all,” the statement emphasised.

“When you surrender your gun, you are not giving up power; you are reclaiming peace.”

NACSA is urging the public to begin preparing ahead of the official announcement of the amnesty period and to encourage family members, friends and neighbours to take advantage of the programme when it begins.

The Commission also called on all Ghanaians to support the initiative to ensure safer communities and prevent further tragedies.

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