NACSA Launches Gun Amnesty Programme with Civil Society Groups

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) is collaborating with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to ensure the success of the ongoing Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP).

Launched on December 1, 2025, under the theme “Silencing the Guns to Save Our Lives,” the GAP is scheduled to run until January 15, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce the number of illicit firearms in the country.

Dr Adam Bonaa, Executive Secretary of NACSA, emphasized the timeliness of the engagement, stating that the proliferation of illegal weapons continues to exacerbate crime, conflict, and insecurity nationwide. “Many of these weapons are held by civilians for personal protection, yet they often end up causing more harm than the safety they are intended to provide,” he said.

The GAP is designed to be voluntary, time-bound, and non-punitive, offering individuals a safe avenue to surrender unregistered or illicit firearms without fear of prosecution. “The programme guarantees confidentiality and ensures the safe surrender of weapons and ammunition,” Dr Bonaa assured.

Alongside the amnesty, NACSA is implementing complementary measures, including a temporary ban on the display of firearms during traditional celebrations, stricter regulations on the importation and sale of firearms, and a suspension of new firearm permits and registrations.

Dr Bonaa further revealed plans for joint security operations and targeted searches, alongside a reward system to encourage informants. He cautioned that individuals who fail to surrender illegal firearms during the amnesty period will face arrest and prosecution.

Recognizing the crucial role of CSOs, Dr Bonaa stated they are “trusted voices within communities” and are well-positioned to address misinformation, cultural sensitivities, and mobilize local support for the programme. “We call on you to champion the gun amnesty in your communities, work with NACSA to make this a national turning point toward a gun-violence-free, safe and peaceful Ghana,” he urged.

Mr. Mohammed Gali Salam, Deputy Executive Secretary of NACSA, underscored the national security threat posed by the widespread availability of small arms. “Small arms proliferation demands coordinated action across government, security agencies, civil society and the ordinary Ghanaian citizen,” he explained.

He noted a significant increase in crimes committed with unregistered firearms, prompting the Ministry of the Interior, NACSA, and the Ghana Police Service to jointly declare the Gun Amnesty Programme. Mr Salam added that the engagement with CSOs is “consultative and collaborative,” allowing NACSA to learn from their experiences at the community level.

“Security interventions succeed when they reflect the realities of the communities they serve, so we welcome practical recommendations to refine the programme,” he stated.

Reverend Carl Nii Anyetei Sowah, Acting Head of Communications at NACSA, detailed the programme’s planning, including the establishment of steering and technical committees, the development of awareness campaigns, nationwide officer training, and extensive media outreach.

Rev Sowah highlighted the importance of transparency, emphasizing the use of receipt systems, proper documentation, and well-trained officers to build public trust. He noted that the programme’s theme and slogan, “Guns Down!”, aim to create a sense of national urgency and collective responsibility.

NACSA and the Ministry of the Interior are actively addressing challenges such as funding constraints and logistical gaps, with a particular focus on intensifying community engagement in hotspot regions. Rev Sowah assured the public of NACSA’s unwavering commitment to transparency, collaboration, and reducing illicit firearms to build safer communities across Ghana.

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