Ghanaians in possession of illegal firearms have been urged to surrender them immediately or face stiff punishment when the ongoing national weapons amnesty ends on January 15.
Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, has warned that anyone found with an illegal firearm after the deadline will be arrested and prosecuted for a first-degree felony, an offence that could attract lengthy prison sentences.
Dr. Bonaa assured the public that the amnesty allows individuals to surrender weapons voluntarily at any police station without fear of arrest, interrogation, or payment. He explained that the programme covers all types of firearms, including prohibited and stolen weapons such as AK-47 rifles.
According to him, thousands of weapons have already been surrendered across the country, particularly in the Volta Region, with no reports of intimidation or arrests during the process.
Speaking at the National Amnesty Campaign held in the Volta Region today, Dr. Bonaa cautioned that once the amnesty period expires, enforcement operations will commence nationwide, with rewards offered to informants who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal weapons. He added that occupants of any room or home where an illegal firearm is found could be treated as suspects.
He noted that the proliferation of illegal weapons fuels violent crime, chieftaincy disputes, land guard activities, and attacks on schools and places of worship.
He appealed to chiefs, assembly members, and community leaders to assist residents who may be hesitant or unsure about how to surrender their firearms.
He stressed that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse once arrests begin and urged the public to take advantage of the amnesty to help protect lives and maintain peace.
The nationwide campaign is expected to intensify across all regions in the coming days.
