Greater Accra tops gun amnesty surrenders – NACSA

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) says the Greater Accra Region is leading firearm surrenders under the ongoing Gun Amnesty Programme.

The commission disclosed that the region has recorded the highest number of weapons handed in since the amnesty began on December 1, allowing voluntary surrender or registration of illegal firearms without arrest, prosecution, or questioning.

NACSA’s Executive Secretary, Dr Bonaa, made the disclosure on Friday, December 26, after a visit to the National Mosque in Accra as part of public outreach on the programme, which runs until January 15, 2026.

“The Greater Accra Region is one of the areas where most of the weapons we have collected are coming from. It is currently leading in terms of arms surrendered under the amnesty programme, with the support of the security commanders,” Dr. Bonaa said.

The visit formed part of efforts to mobilise community support, particularly within the Muslim community, through engagement with the National Chief Imam.

Dr Bonaa said the outreach was inspired by the moral authority and peacebuilding role of the Chief Imam, whom he described as a critical voice for national cohesion.

“The Chief Imam is one of the pillars of peace in this country. He does not preach violence or disturbance. Even in difficult moments when people wanted to react violently on his behalf, he consistently called for restraint. That tells you the kind of authority and moral influence he has,” Dr. Bonaa noted.

According to him, the National Chief Imam welcomed the Gun Amnesty Programme and committed to encouraging members of the Muslim community to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms in their possession.

The Gun Amnesty Programme was introduced to reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and to improve public safety by taking unregistered firearms out of circulation.

Under the initiative, individuals can hand in weapons discreetly through designated security agencies without fear of legal consequences.

Also present during the outreach was the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Duuti Tuaruka, who assured the public that the amnesty guarantees protection for those who comply.

He reassured firearm holders that individuals handing in their weapons under the amnesty would not be arrested and urged anyone in possession of illegal arms to take advantage of the window provided.

Security agencies have repeatedly encouraged the public to cooperate with the programme, stressing that voluntary compliance remains the most effective way to curb gun-related crime.