The Minister-Designate for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has expressed deep concern over the alarming proliferation of illegal firearms across Ghana.
During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, January 24, Muntaka outlined a proactive plan to address the issue, which he described as a growing threat to national security.
The Asawase Member of Parliament pledged to introduce a comprehensive initiative aimed at recovering illegal arms while ensuring that the process encourages voluntary compliance.
Key components of this initiative include an amnesty window for gun owners to return illegal weapons without fear of prosecution and a firearms-for-cash exchange programme.
Muntaka highlighted the serious implications of the widespread availability of illegal firearms, citing the rise in violent crimes, armed robberies, and community conflicts fueled by the unchecked circulation of weapons.
He stressed that reclaiming illegal firearms from private hands is not just a law enforcement issue but a critical step toward enhancing public safety and fostering peace.
“I can assure that with my team, we will look at recovering illegal firearms because there may even be people who may be having it but may even be afraid that it will be seen on them because there may be a reason when they wanted it but no longer want it.
“We can grant some amnesty window for them to return it and probably look at exchange for cash or some kind and look at exchange of weapons for cash.”
