Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ghanaian government has launched a nationwide amnesty period for the surrender of illicit firearms, offering immunity from prosecution to anyone who turns in illegal weapons.
The Executive Secretary of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALWC), Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, announced that thousands of weapons have already been retrieved since the program began.
“We want to recover every illicit weapon and bullet in this country,” Dr. Bonaa said. “We are granting immunity against arrest and prosecution. Don’t wait to be caught—surrender your arms.”
The amnesty period aims to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation, estimated to be 80-90% locally manufactured. These homemade weapons are often used in crimes and pose significant risks to public safety.
Executive Secretary of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALWC), Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa
The government has also launched the National Commission on Small Arms (NACSA) office at Kotoka International Airport to control the inflow of small arms into the country. Dr. Bonaa noted that those found with illegal arms after the amnesty period will face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Citizens with relevant information are encouraged to report it anonymously, and surrendered firearms will either be registered or destroyed. The commission has acquired a weapon destruction machine to facilitate safe disposal.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address the growing gun violence problem in the country. The success of the initiative depends on public participation and effective implementation.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
