Mr Asante Gyebi, the Acting Director of Research, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Small Arms Commission, has announced that the national gun amnesty initiative has successfully recovered over 3,000 firearms.
Launched under the directive of President John Dramani Mahama, the programme is designed to remove unregistered weapons from circulation.
By offering a window for compliance without the threat of legal action, the commission aims to enhance public safety.
According to Mr Gyebi, the public response has been significant, with more than 3,000 unregistered guns surrendered to the authorities so far.
In an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline, Mr Gyebi confirmed that the original deadline of January 15 has been moved.
Following stakeholder engagements and feedback, the deadline for the amnesty has been officially extended to January 30, 2026.
He said individuals who surrender weapons will not face arrest or prosecution.
He stated that police officers are prohibited from interrogating those surrendering firearms.
“Any officer found intimidating participants will face official sanctions.”
While the amnesty provides a safe harbour, Mr Gyebi warned that the window for leniency is closing.
“‘I am encouraging the public to take advantage of that and surrender their guns or go through the legal processes if they want to own the guns. Those who refuse to do so will be treated as criminals, arrested, and prosecuted.”
Under current laws, carrying an unlicensed firearm is a serious offence punishable by heavy fines, up to ten years of imprisonment, or both.
Mr Gyebi noted that while many owners are relinquishing their weapons permanently, others are using the amnesty period to finally complete the legal licensing process.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
