Asante Gyebi, the Acting Director of Research, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Small Arms Commission, has called on the Ghanaian public to take advantage of the ongoing national gun amnesty.
Under the directive of President John Dramani Mahama, the government has granted a grace period allowing individuals in possession of unauthorized firearms to surrender them to the authorities without fear of arrest or prosecution.
According to Mr. Gyebi, the initiative was introduced in recognition of the fact that many citizens remain unaware of the legal procedures required for lawful gun ownership.
Speaking on the program As it is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio (87.5FM Ghana and 92.4FM UK), Mr. Gyebi emphasized that the amnesty period began on December 1, 2025, and is set to conclude on January 15, 2026.
He issued a stern warning regarding the legal consequences of non-compliance. Under the Criminal Offences Act, possessing a firearm without a valid license constitutes a First Degree Felony, punishable by a mandatory ten-year prison sentence.
“The Ministry of Interior has declared a gun amnesty… granting pardon to all those holding guns without lawful authority,” Mr. Gyebi stated. “You will not be arrested or prosecuted if you surrender your weapons. However, once the deadline passes, violators will be arrested. Owning an unlicensed gun is a First Degree Felony and could result in a ten-year jail sentence.”
Mr. Gyebi clarified that surrendering a weapon does not necessarily mean a permanent loss of protection for those who wish to remain armed legally. He encouraged citizens to follow the proper channels:
“If you wish to own a gun for self-protection, hunting, or any other lawful purpose, you must still surrender the current unauthorized weapon and go through the official licensing procedures. Once you are vetted and approved, you will be permitted to own a firearm legally.”
The Commission revealed that the response has been significant. While specific final figures are still being compiled, over 1,000 firearms have already been surrendered, with the Greater Accra Region recording the highest numbers.
Investigations by the Commission have identified two primary sources of illegal arms in the country:
Smuggling through porous borders and Local manufacturing by unauthorised blacksmiths who sell to the public.
The Small Arms Commission is currently intensifying its public education campaigns to ensure maximum awareness and participation before the January 15, 2026 deadline.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
