Ghana will destroy 2,000 firearms collected through the government's Gun Amnesty Programme. This action follows the surrender of more than 4,000 firearms nationwide. The initiative aims to reduce the spread of illegal weapons and improve public safety across the country.
Deputy Minister for the Interior Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi announced the destruction plans. He stated that the government received exactly 4,000 firearms across Ghana. Half of these, 2,000 weapons, will be destroyed because they are unsuitable for legal ownership. The remaining 2,000 firearms will be kept while their owners apply to register them legally.
This programme fits into Ghana's wider efforts to secure its borders and control weapon proliferation. The government is intensifying surveillance at border crossings. This is to stop the smuggling of illegal firearms into Ghana. Such measures are crucial for maintaining national security and preventing crime. They also reflect a commitment to law and order, which can attract foreign investment and stabilize economic conditions.
Mr. Terlabi confirmed the statistics during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show. He said, “We have received a total of 4,000 firearms across Ghana, and 2,000 of them will be burnt.” He explained that some guns, currently registered in a parent's name, will be retained while new owners complete the legal registration process. The majority of the surrendered weapons are pump-action guns, many of which were imported.
The destruction of these illegal firearms will remove potential tools for crime from circulation. This could lead to a decrease in gun violence incidents. It also signals the government's resolve to enforce weapon laws. Businesses and citizens will watch for changes in security levels following this action. The government's procurement of metal detection equipment for security agencies will further enhance law enforcement capabilities. Individuals who failed to surrender illegal firearms face prosecution if found with such weapons.