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The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has confirmed that the Greater Accra Region is currently recording the highest volume of surrendered firearms under the ongoing national Gun Amnesty Programme.
This disclosure comes mid-way through the initiative, which was launched on December 1, 2025, to provide a legal window for the voluntary surrender of unregistered or illicit weapons without the threat of legal repercussions. Addressing the media, the Executive Secretary of NACSA, Dr. Adam Bonaa, revealed that the capital region is outpacing other areas in terms of citizen compliance.
“The Greater Accra Region is one of the areas where most of the weapons we have collected are coming from. It is currently leading in terms of arms surrendered under the amnesty programme, with the support of the security commanders”Dr. Adam Bonaa, Executive Secretary of NACSA
The announcement followed a high-profile sensitization visit to the National Mosque in Accra, where the Commission sought to deepen its engagement with the Muslim community through the moral authority of the National Chief Imam.
The visit to the National Mosque was a strategic move to leverage the influence of His Eminence the National Chief Imam, who has officially accepted the role of Ambassador for the Gun Amnesty Programme. Dr. Bonaa described the Chief Imam as a cornerstone of national peace, noting that his endorsement is critical for reaching communities where illegal arms might be held for perceived self-protection.
By aligning with religious leaders, the Commission aims to demystify the surrender process. The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Duuti Tuaruka, accompanied the delegation to reassure the public that the “no arrest” policy is being strictly upheld. He emphasized that the police are partners in this safety initiative, not hunters of those who come forward to comply.
The January Deadline
While the current phase of the program focuses on voluntary compliance and “grace,” the government has been clear that this window is temporary.
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak, has issued a stern warning that the amnesty period will conclude on January 15, 2026. Beyond this date, the state will transition from advocacy to aggressive enforcement.
Under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of the Interior has prioritized the reduction of illicit small arms as a prerequisite for national development. The Minister indicated that once the deadline passes, any individual found in possession of an unregistered firearm will be treated as a criminal and will face the full rigors of the law.
“After the deadline, we will arrest and prosecute,” Hon. Muntaka-Mubarak warned, emphasizing that the six-week window is a unique opportunity for citizens to contribute to a safer Ghana.
The drive for a gun-free society has received significant backing from traditional authorities across the country. In the Bono Region, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, joined the call for compliance during the commissioning of the National Signals Bureau Regional Command.
He noted that the amnesty is supported by broader measures, including temporary bans on firearm use during festivals and stricter controls on the importation of weapons.
The government’s strategy is rooted in the belief that “safer streets begin with voluntary responsibility.” By removing illegal tools of violence from homes and communities, the state hopes to curb the incidence of armed robbery and violent land disputes that often escalate due to the ready availability of firearms.
As the January 15 deadline approaches, NACSA continues to urge all Ghanaians to prioritize the collective safety of the nation over the possession of illicit weapons.
