Ghana Extends Gun Amnesty to Collect Illegal Firearms

Thousands of Ghanaians are choosing safety over secrecy by voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms, and now they have two more weeks to join them.

Ghana's National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons announced an extension of its Gun Amnesty Programme through January 30, 2026. The original deadline of January 15 was pushed back after the Interior Minister saw encouraging public participation since the program launched on December 1, 2025.

The amnesty offers a simple promise: turn in unregistered or illegal guns with no questions asked, no arrests, and no prosecution. It's designed specifically to reach people in remote communities who may have inherited firearms or acquired them without proper documentation.

Officials emphasized this is the final window. After January 30, security forces will begin active enforcement operations, and anyone caught with an illegal firearm will face arrest and prosecution under Ghanaian law.

The commission is calling on community leaders, religious figures, and media outlets to spread the word in their neighborhoods. They want everyone to understand this is a no-penalty opportunity that won't come again.

The Ripple Effect

Gun violence has taken a serious toll on Ghanaian communities, with 54 gun-related incidents recorded in just the second quarter of 2025 alone. Previous estimates suggested roughly 1.1 million unregistered firearms were circulating in the country, creating daily risks for families and children.

Each weapon turned in represents fewer chances for accidental shootings, armed robberies, or violence during disputes. When guns leave homes and streets, entire neighborhoods become safer places for kids to play and families to thrive.

The program also offers registration for those who own firearms legally but never completed the paperwork. This path helps responsible gun owners get right with the law while contributing to a national database that makes everyone safer.

Ghana's approach shows how countries can reduce gun violence without heavy-handed tactics. By offering dignity and immunity instead of punishment, officials are making it easier for people to do the right thing.

The commission's message is clear: "The time is now—let us silence the guns for our own safety."