Holders of illicit firearms have up to January 15, 2026 to surrender their weapons without any punitive action against them.
At a press conference on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has announced a national Gun Amnesty exercise, the first in nine years since 2016 to reduce possession of illicit firearms in the country.
The six-week exercise will run from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026 with designated collection points for persons to hand over their illicit firearms.
The Minister stressed that refusal to comply after the deadline will result in criminal prosecution.
“From December 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026 any person who voluntarily hands over such weapons at designated points will be commended not condemned. You will be recognised as a patriot contributing to the peace and safety of our nation.
“But let me be clear. When this Amnesty period ends, the law will take its full course.
“The Ghana Police Service and all security agencies will intensify operations to recover illicit arms. Those who refuse this generous offer will be treated as criminals and the consequences will be firm and uncompromising,” the Minister stated.
The Gun Amnesty programme offers every Ghanaian who holds an unregistered or illicit firearm the opportunity to surrender it without arrest or prosecution.
The Ministry is also moving to restrict the use of arms during cultural celebrations, announcing plans to engage traditional authorities on training to enforce a firearms ban during festivals.
