Dealing with illicit arms: Upper West Minister engages media ahead of initiative
The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, has called on the media to support government efforts in sensitising the public to the upcoming National Gun Amnesty Initiative.
The initiative is aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit small arms and promoting peace and security across the country.
The regional minister said the media has a critical role to play in driving public understanding, participation, and compliance ahead of the official launch of the initiative on November 11, 2025.
The initiative, which would run for six weeks, from November 11 to December 31, 2025, is to offer a window of opportunity for citizens in possession of illicit or unregistered firearms to voluntarily surrender them without fear of arrest or prosecution
Proliferation of arms
Addressing the media last Tuesday, Mr Puozuing described the situation of illicit weapons in the country as very alarming.
He said per the statistics from the Ghana Police Service and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, in the last three quarters of this year, Ghana recorded 322 armed robbery cases, 342 murders, 70 incidents of unlawful firearm possession, and 166 deaths resulting from gun-related violence.
“These are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families destroyed, and communities destabilised.
We must act collectively to stop this growing threat,” he said.
He explained that the initiative was not an act of leniency, but a proactive national security strategy designed to disarm communities, prevent violent crimes, and safeguard public safety.
He said joint operations by the Ghana Police Service, Ministry of the Interior, and Regional Security Councils (REGSECs) would retrieve any remaining illicit weapons and prosecute offenders after the period.
He said the RCC had already engaged chiefs, traditional rulers, and faith-based organisations and would continue to reach out to youth groups and community leaders.
He assured the public that trained plain-clothed police officers would be stationed at designated collection points to receive weapons confidentially to protect and ensure anonymity.
GJA
Representing the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Regional Treasurer, Ivan Domasaa, pledged the GJA’s support for the campaign.
“As media practitioners, we must be properly informed so we can inform the public accurately and prevent misinformation. This initiative deserves our utmost attention,” he said.
