The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCSALW) has issued a strong warning to individuals in possession of illegal firearms, urging them to take advantage of the extended gun amnesty window before January 30 or face the full rigours of the law.
Speaking in an interview on ABC In The Morning, the Head of Communications at NCSALW, Carl Nii Anyetei Sowah, explained that the decision to extend the amnesty period was informed by the need to give well-meaning Ghanaians adequate time to comply with the directive.
“The time we had for the first amnesty wasn’t enough,” Mr. Sowah said. “We wouldn’t want well-meaning Ghanaians who did not hear of the message to get arrested simply because they didn’t know.”
He stressed that the amnesty offers complete legal protection to persons who voluntarily surrender their firearms within the stipulated period. According to him, individuals who take advantage of the window will not be questioned, interrogated, prosecuted, or arrested.
“The amnesty gives you legal immunity where no one will question you, where no one will interrogate you, where no one will prosecute you and where no one will arrest you,” he stated.
Mr. Sowah emphasized that the success of the amnesty should not be measured by the number of weapons retrieved, noting that even the recovery of a single firearm would be significant for national safety. “If the amnesty is able to retrieve just one firearm, it is hugely successful,” he said.
He further clarified that firearms can be surrendered at any police district across the country, making the process accessible and straightforward for all citizens. In addition, traditional authorities were reminded that they are equally bound by the directive and must also surrender any firearms in their possession at the police station.
Issuing a firm caution, Mr. Sowah warned that the Commission, in collaboration with security agencies, would strictly enforce the law after the January 30 deadline. “Those who want to test the law and want to know whether we are joking or not should wait until after January 30,” he cautioned.
The NCSALW has reiterated its commitment to reducing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana, describing the gun amnesty as a critical step towards enhancing public safety and preventing violent crime.
Citizens in possession of illegal firearms are therefore encouraged to act responsibly and comply with the directive before the deadline expires.
