Speaking to Adom News reporter Jagri Boaz Binyinjom as the gun amnesty enters its final day, Dr. Bonaa stated: “The grace period is over. After the deadline, anyone found in possession of illegal guns or ammunition will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.”

He explained that although the initial deadline ended on January 15, 2026, the government extended it to January 30, 2026, following appeals from traditional leaders.

“The first phase ended on January 15, but we extended the exercise because some traditional leaders appealed for more time. So no one can say they did not hear about the amnesty,” he said.

Dr. Bonaa noted that enforcement operations will begin immediately after the deadline.

“From tomorrow, full enforcement will begin. Anyone still holding guns or ammunition should surrender them now,” he warned.

Providing an update on the exercise, Dr. Bonaa revealed that the initiative has recorded significant success.

“So far, we have received more than 3,000 weapons and several rounds of ammunition. This shows that the exercise has been very effective,” he stated.

He reminded the public that the gun amnesty was announced by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, and took effect from December 1, 2025.

Dr. Bonaa further cautioned that persons found with unlicensed firearms risk imprisonment if they fail to pay the required fines.

“If you are found with an illegal firearm and you cannot pay the fines, you will be imprisoned. People should not wait until after the deadline,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative will help reduce crime and gun-related violence and called on the public to cooperate with authorities.

“This exercise is meant to make our communities safer. We urge everyone to cooperate so we can maintain peace and security across the country,” Dr. Bonaa added.

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Speaking to Adom News in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Kwadwo Boakye, said a significant number of residents have visited designated police stations across the region to voluntarily surrender firearms.

“The steady turnout shows strong public cooperation and a positive commitment to enhancing security in the region,” he noted.

Chief Inspector Boakye urged those yet to participate to fully cooperate with the Police to help make Ahafo a safer place. He also reminded the public that the amnesty exercise has been extended and will officially end on January 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Kontihene of the Ewe community at Ata-Ne-Ata, Nana Kyei Bafah, who participated in the exercise, described the process as stress-free and beneficial for the region.

He encouraged all individuals in possession of firearms to take advantage of the amnesty and surrender them in the interest of peace and security.

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The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Adam Bonaa, speaking in an exclusive interview on JoyNews on Monday, December 29, 2025, warned that the current “grace period” is rapidly expiring.

The government, he noted, is prepared to deploy “full force” to arrest and prosecute anyone found with illegal weapons after the January 15, 2026, deadline.

The Commission has activated a nationwide amnesty period, designed to retrieve lethal weapons ranging from sidearms and shotguns to military-grade hardware like AK-47s, M16s, and G-series rifles.

Dr. Bonaa emphasised that the amnesty is a total “get out of jail free” card.

Even those who came by their weapons through illicit means, such as theft, are encouraged to come forward.

“The amnesty is clear that there is no arrest, there is no prosecution, and there is no call for interrogation. There is—you are free. Bring the weapon. The Commission says that even if you stole the weapon, surrender the weapon, and there will be no arrest,” Dr. Bonaa assured.

However, the consequences for defiance are severe. Under the current legal framework, the illegal possession of a firearm carries a hefty prison sentence.

“If you don’t and you are arrested, you will be prosecuted by the law and may be sent to prison for up to 15 years,” he warned.

To ensure the effectiveness of the retrieval exercise, the Commission has implemented a total freeze on the arms market across all 16 administrative regions and 25 police regions.

• Importation: All licences for the importation of arms and ammunition have been suspended.
• Commercial Sale: The sale of guns and ammunition in licensed shops has ceased for the duration of the amnesty.
• Usage: The declaration of the amnesty period also prohibits the firing of any weapons, including for celebratory purposes.

The ‘Firecracker’ Dilemma: 31st Night Under Watch

As Ghana prepares for “31st Night” church services and New Year’s Eve festivities, Dr. Bonaa addressed the rampant sale of firecrackers and “knockouts”, particularly at hubs like the Danquah Circle in Accra.

Despite their visibility on the streets, the Executive Secretary reminded the public that the ban on firecrackers remains in force.

“The ban on firecrackers is still in place. As far as the Commission is aware, it hasn’t been lifted. We are aware [people are using them], but it is something that is being discussed—how to tackle it,” he stated.

Dr. Bonaa revealed that high-level policy conversations are currently ongoing with the Ministry for the Interior and allied security agencies regarding not only firecrackers but also the proliferation of toy guns, which are often used in robberies due to their realistic appearance.

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The initiative, which began on December 1, allows individuals to voluntarily register or hand over unlicensed and illegal firearms without the risk of arrest, prosecution, or interrogation.

The amnesty is scheduled to end on January 15, 2026.

NACSA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Bonaa, made this known on Friday, December 26, following an engagement at the National Mosque in Accra, where he met with the National Chief Imam as part of efforts to deepen public awareness of the programme.

“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. Bonaa said.

He explained that the visit to the mosque was strategic, noting the significant influence of the National Chief Imam in promoting peace and unity across the country. According to Dr. Bonaa, the Chief Imam has agreed to support the campaign by serving as an ambassador for the amnesty.

“The Chief Imam is one of the pillars of peace in this country. He does not preach violence or disturbance. Even in difficult moments when people wanted to react violently on his behalf, he consistently called for restraint. That tells you the kind of authority and moral influence he has,” he noted.

Dr. Bonaa added that the Chief Imam welcomed the initiative and pledged to encourage members of the Muslim community to voluntarily surrender any illegal firearms in their possession.

Also present during the visit was the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Duuti Tuaruka, who assured the public that the security agencies would fully respect the terms of the amnesty.

He reiterated that no one who hands over a weapon under the programme would be arrested and urged the public to take advantage of the remaining period to comply before the deadline

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Addressing journalists in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak described the figures as alarming, noting that they closely mirror last year’s trend.

“The statistics are not looking good at all. In 2024, there were 1,219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July this year, there have been 628 robbery and 340 murder cases respectively,” he said.

After consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, other security agencies, traditional authorities, religious groups, and civil society organisations, the government has announced a Gun Amnesty Programme.

The initiative, which the Minister described as a “bold and compassionate step,” seeks to reduce the circulation of illicit firearms and improve public safety. The amnesty will allow individuals to surrender illegal weapons without facing prosecution.

Minister Mubarak stressed that the success of the programme will depend largely on public cooperation and urged communities nationwide to support the effort toward building a safer Ghana.

The workshop, held at the National Police Training School in Accra, is designed to equip selected officers with the technical expertise and operational protocols needed to implement the programme and serve as its ambassadors.

The Gun Amnesty Programme, once launched, will offer citizens a safe opportunity to voluntarily register or surrender unregistered and illicit firearms without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution.

Addressing participants, Mr Terlabi expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of gun-related violence across the country.

He stressed that the amnesty is not a trap but a genuine chance for the public to play their part in enhancing national security.

“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.

He urged the officers to approach their duties with honesty, patience, and respect, emphasising the importance of building trust and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.

Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr. Adam Bonaa, described the training as a critical step toward implementing one of Ghana’s most comprehensive firearm amnesty programmes since independence.

He said the workshop will empower officers with the skills and knowledge needed to train others in districts across the country.

The session brought together officers from the Ministry of the Interior, police districts nationwide, and officials from the Small Arms Commission.

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According to Dr. Bonaa, the initiative, which has been under careful planning, aims to reduce the growing proliferation of small arms among civilians and curb the worrying surge in gun-related violence across the country.

“In the coming days—perhaps within a week or so — there’s going to be a declaration that has been well thought out and well planned by the Government of Ghana,” he disclosed. “It’s going to be an elaborate amnesty, the type we have not really seen in this country. The declaration will be made by the Honourable Minister for the Interior, and all the necessary processes are being finalised to ensure every box is checked.”

This development follows a recent attack in Garu, in the Upper East Region, where unknown gunmen opened fire on civilians at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office, leaving at least four people dead and several others in critical condition.https://www.youtube.com/embed/RJgWglOg6MI?si=yf9wd5mZqOK-N1x2

Mr Bonaa described the rising trend of gun incidents as alarming, noting that both the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission and other security agencies have observed a significant increase in gun-related violence

“A lot is being done to curb these incidents and ensure that we nip them in the bud, to reduce and, if possible, eradicate them,” he assured.

He noted that recent arrests and police operations have highlighted the urgency of addressing the problem.

“You’ve seen the police swooping in to arrest bandits and criminals who specialise in robbing rural banks. Some armed robbers who have been terrorising communities using firearms have also been neutralised,” Dr. Bonaa added.

Source: Emma Ankrah

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