The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has welcomed the government’s declaration of a nationwide gun amnesty, describing the move as “timely and critical” amid the rising trend of gun-related violence in Ghana.
The Ministry of the Interior, together with the National Commission on Small Arms, has announced a six-week window — from December 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026 — for individuals to voluntarily surrender unregistered or illicit firearms without facing arrest or prosecution.
FOSDA said the initiative comes at a crucial moment, as the organisation’s monitoring data shows a worrying surge in gun-related incidents.
According to its records, gun violence accounted for 36.8% of all violent incidents in July 2025 and nearly half (47.1%) in August 2025.
The group also highlighted an 80% rise in gun violence in the second quarter of 2024, underscoring the urgency of addressing illegal weapon circulation.
The organisation added that the Ghanaian government’s initiative aligns with the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” campaign and the annual Africa Amnesty Month, which encourages the voluntary surrender of small arms and light weapons across the continent.
While commending the government, FOSDA urged authorities to tackle the underlying social, economic, and security drivers that fuel the possession and spread of illicit firearms.
It recommended several measures to ensure the success of the amnesty programme, including:
—Intensive targeted public awareness campaigns beyond traditional media.
—Guaranteed anonymity at weapon collection points to build trust
—Safe and accessible collection centers with strict handling protocols
—A strong post-amnesty enforcement plan as cautioned by the Minister of the Interior
—Transparent destruction of seized weapons to assure the public they are permanently removed from circulation
FOSDA expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the programme.
“This amnesty, if diligently implemented, will significantly contribute to a safer and more peaceful Ghana,” said Theodora W. Anti, Executive Director of FOSDA.
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