The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, has said that the government is determined to protect the security of the country.
He said the determination is reinforced by the destruction of over 2000 illegal firearms.
He said this on Thursday, July 9, while speaking at the National Arms Destruction Ceremony held to commemorate the United Nations Small Arms Destruction Initiative.
“This destruction ceremony is more than destroying firearms—it is about saving lives. It demonstrates our clear determination to protect lives and preserve the safety and security of our nation,” he said.
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the Minister said: “The forces that unite us are far greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
He noted that the timeless message underscores the importance of unity, peace, and a shared commitment to building a secure and prosperous nation.
According to him, every weapon destroyed represents a threat removed from communities, a life potentially saved, and another step towards a safer Ghana.
“It sends a strong message that Ghana has no place for illegal arms, violence, or criminality,” he stressed.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing Ghana’s firearms regulations, preventing the circulation of illegal arms, and protecting the safety and security of citizens.
He revealed that more than 2000 firearms have been destroyed under the Gun Amnesty Programme.
The Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP) was declared from 18th November,2025 to 30th January, 2026 as part of the government’s efforts to reduce the proliferation of illicit or unregistered firearms in the country.
He said that the exercise demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to removing dangerous weapons from circulation.
According to him, the firearms being destroyed include weapons seized during security operations, those confiscated through court orders, arms voluntarily surrendered under the national gun amnesty programme, and others handed over outside the amnesty arrangement.
“More than 2,000 firearms are being destroyed,” he said at the same event.
Mr Debrah explained that the destruction of the weapons was necessary to ensure that they do not find their way back into society and pose a threat to citizens.
“By permanently eliminating these weapons, we are reducing the risk of diversion and criminal exploitation. We are closing the door on the possibility of these weapons returning to harm our people,” he stated.
He added that the exercise also officially ends the voluntary compliance phase of the national gun amnesty programme, paving the way for stricter enforcement measures.
“It marks the end of voluntary compliance. We have entered the phase of full enforcement of post-gun amnesty measures,” he stressed.
He said that the exercise demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to removing dangerous weapons from circulation.
