Interior Ministry to publicly destroy seized weapons on July 9 as gun amnesty ends

The Ministry of the Interior has announced that all weapons surrendered or seized under Ghana’s gun amnesty programme will be publicly destroyed on July 9, 2026, marking the official conclusion of the nationwide initiative aimed at reducing the circulation of illegal firearms.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak disclosed the development during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, stating that the government will soon outline the next phase of its firearms regulation agenda.

This morning I'll be addressing the press about this gun amnesty which has ended. Because we are going to destroy all the seized weapons on the 9th of July,” he said.

The announcement comes as the Ministry intensifies efforts to strengthen firearm regulation following the suspension of all active gun licences across the country.

According to the Interior Minister, the move was prompted by growing concerns over the misuse of legally registered firearms, including a recent incident involving the Kantanka Church, which has sparked renewed debate about gun ownership and public safety in Ghana.

As part of the new regulatory framework, prospective firearm owners will be required to undergo:

• Mandatory mental health assessments
• Drug screening tests
• Formal firearms and shooting range training
• Enhanced background checks

The Ministry believes these measures will improve accountability and ensure that only qualified individuals are granted access to firearms.

The gun amnesty initiative allowed individuals in possession of illegal or unregistered weapons to voluntarily surrender them without facing prosecution.

Authorities say the programme forms part of a broader national strategy to curb gun-related crimes, reduce the number of unregistered firearms in circulation, and improve public security.

The planned destruction of the recovered weapons is expected to serve as a symbolic demonstration of the government's commitment to tackling illegal arms possession and promoting safer communities.

The Interior Ministry is expected to provide additional information on the destruction exercise, the number of firearms recovered, and the implementation of the revised licensing framework during an upcoming media briefing.

Officials maintain that the reforms are designed to balance lawful firearm ownership with the need to protect public safety and prevent the misuse of weapons across the country.