Ghana Extends Gun Amnesty Program Until End of January 2026, Offering Last Chance for Surrender

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The Ministry of the Interior has announced an extension of Ghana’s Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP) until January 30, 2026, providing a final two-week window for individuals to voluntarily surrender or register unlicensed firearms without fear of arrest or prosecution. The extension, which runs from January 16 to January 30, 2026, follows a positive public response to the initial amnesty period that commenced on December 1, 2025, and was scheduled to end on January 15, 2026.

The move aims to encourage more firearm owners, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach communities, to come forward and register or surrender their weapons in a peaceful manner. The initiative is part of Ghana's broader strategy to curb illegal arms proliferation, enhance national security, and promote peace across the country.

Speaking to Info Radio, Mr. Basit Mohammed Yussif, Programmes Officer at the Upper West Regional Office of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, highlighted the success of the campaign in the region. As of January 14, 2026, over 300 weapons have been surrendered to security agencies in the Upper West Region alone, indicating strong community support and cooperation.

Mr. Yussif urged residents who still possess unregistered or illicit firearms to take advantage of the remaining two weeks of the amnesty. He emphasized that after the deadline, security forces will intensify operations to recover illegal arms, and individuals found in possession of such weapons will face prosecution under Ghanaian law.

The Ghanaian government has reiterated its commitment to creating a safer environment and urges all firearm owners to cooperate with authorities during this critical period to avoid legal consequences and contribute to national peace and stability.