The Acting Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Asante Gyebi, has disclosed that the gun amnesty granted by the Ministry of Interior under President John Mahama’s directive has been a general success.
Over 1,500 guns have been received so far, he stated during an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
He noted that the January 15, 2026, deadline remains in force and no decision has been made regarding an extension.
According to the Director, many individuals with unlicensed weapons have taken advantage of the amnesty to surrender their arms.
”I cannot confirm any extension of the deadline. We have not had any briefing from the Minister,” he said. “If there is to be an extension, it must be granted by the Minister. Therefore, the deadline of January 15, 2026, is still in force; by 4:00 pm that day, the amnesty will be over.”
He continued, “Since we started, as of the end of the fifth week, we had received over 1,500 guns from the public. Some individuals surrendered their weapons, indicating they no longer wanted them, while others have applied to license their guns for personal protection or hunting.”
He warned that those found with unlicensed guns after the deadline would be treated as “criminal-minded persons.”
Such individuals face arrest and prosecution, which could lead to a ten-year prison sentence, a fine, or both.
Mr. Gyebi stated that an informant award system is being developed to reward those who provide credible information regarding illegal weapon holders.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana