Ministry of Interior launches training of trainers for nationwide gun amnesty to curb illicit firearms and enhance public safety

The Ministry of the Interior has initiated a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme in Accra in preparation for a nationwide gun amnesty, aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit firearms and promoting public safety.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA).

Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, said the training is a critical step in tackling the rise of firearm-related incidents, which have escalated during festivals, chieftaincy and land disputes, armed robberies, and other violent crimes.

He stressed that the amnesty will allow citizens to voluntarily surrender unregistered or illegal firearms without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution.

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“The government’s intention is purely to give every citizen with no criminal intent the opportunity to do the right thing and hand over unregistered firearms voluntarily, with no questions asked, no arrests, and no prosecutions,” Mr Terlabi said.

He added that the success of the programme will rely on the professionalism of trained officers, who will act as partners guiding communities toward safer practices.

Dr Adam Bonaa, Executive Director of NACSA, highlighted that this ToT programme represents the most extensive gun amnesty effort in Ghana’s history. Selected officers will be equipped to replicate the training nationwide to ensure smooth implementation of the initiative.

He called on the media to support the effort through responsible reporting to educate the public on the importance of surrendering illicit weapons.

Commissioner of Police Frederick Kofi Blagodzi, Director-General of Human Resource Development at the Ghana Police Service, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment, urging trainees to uphold integrity and discipline, emphasising that the success of the programme hinges on their professionalism.

Mr Terlabi also noted that the proposed National Arms Bill is in its final stages and will soon be submitted to the Attorney-General, further strengthening Ghana’s arms control framework.

The amnesty forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance public safety, reinforce national security, and maintain Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful country in the sub-region.