The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), led by its Executive Secretary, Dr Adam Bonaa, has paid a courtesy call on the Volta regional minister and the Asogli Traditional Council as part of efforts to deepen sensitisation on the ongoing nationwide Small Arms and Light Weapons Amnesty.

The visit, which formed part of the commission’s Volta regional engagement, brought together officials from the Ministry of the Interior, allied security agencies, and traditional authorities to discuss strategies for mopping up illicit weapons and promoting peace and security in the region.

Dr Bonaa expressed appreciation to the Volta regional minister, James Gunu, and the Asogli Traditional Council for welcoming the delegation and for their readiness to support the amnesty exercise. He noted that discussions on the amnesty began long ago, shortly after his appointment, due to growing concerns about the number of weapons in circulation across the country.

Dr Bonaa emphasised the strategic importance of the Volta Region in the discourse on arms control, acknowledging that the region is home to some of the most skilled firearms artisans and specialists. He stated that while such expertise is often viewed negatively, the commission is determined to engage it positively by finding ways to integrate lawful expertise into regulated frameworks.

He stated that the essence of the amnesty, which runs from 1st December 2025 to 15th January 2026, is to allow individuals in possession of illicit firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the state or regularise them without fear of arrest. However, he warned that after the deadline, offenders found in possession of illegal firearms will face prosecution, with jail terms ranging from a minimum of 10 years to as much as 15 years.

Dr Bonaa recalled that the urgency of the Volta visit was heightened following recent disturbances and shootings around the Central Mosque area, describing such acts as unfortunate and damaging to the peaceful image of the people. He stressed that the commission’s mission is preventive, aimed at avoiding unnecessary arrests and prison overcrowding, and aligned with the government’s broader support for non-custodial sentencing.

He also highlighted efforts to regularise traditional weapons kept in palaces, noting that while firearms are part of cultural practices, their unregulated presence has the potential to fuel conflicts between traditional areas. According to him, the amnesty seeks to ensure that such weapons are lawfully documented and safely stored to prevent misuse.

Dr Bonaa appealed to traditional rulers to serve as ambassadors of the Ghana Gun Amnesty, using their influence to encourage voluntary surrender and registration of weapons among their people. He added that Ghana’s peace and stability must be protected to maintain its positive standing in the sub-region and internationally, stressing that insecurity could lead to travel restrictions and diminished global confidence.

As part of activities in the region, the executive secretary announced a series of engagements, including a sensitisation forum for heads of security and public agencies, as well as a public awareness walk where participants will wear Ghana Gun Amnesty t-shirts and carry placards calling on citizens to help “silence the guns while lifting Ghana up”.

The Volta regional minister, on his part, reiterated government’s commitment to peace and security in the Volta Region, stressing that unregulated gun ownership poses serious risks and that peace and security remain a key pillar of his development agenda for the region.

“Without a peaceful environment, meaningful development cannot be achieved,” he noted.

He also noted the unfortunate and uncalled for recent shooting incident within the Muslim community in Ho and underscored the importance of the seminar and the entire programme. He welcomed the initiative and appealed for the amnesty period to be extended to the end of January to enable more citizens to take advantage of the programme.

Togbi Anikpi III of Ho Heve, on behalf of the Asogli Traditional Council, commended the commission for the initiative and acknowledged that many homes in the region and across the country kept various arms and ammunition, some unregistered or with expired licenses, and described the amnesty as an important opportunity for owners to regularise their weapons legally.

However, he expressed concern that public awareness of the amnesty has not been widespread enough, especially given the approaching deadline.

He called for intensified use of information vans, the Information Services Department, and local FM stations to reach more people, particularly at the community level.

The traditional ruler also drew attention to the use of firearms during funerals, masquerade displays, and cultural activities, noting that many people mistakenly believe such practices are unrestricted.

He called for clearer public education on the illegality of indiscriminate gun use, even during traditional events.

Togbi Anikpi further appealed to the commission to consider extending the amnesty deadline beyond 15th January to the end of the month or even into February, to allow more people including some traditional rulers who own firearms to comply with registration requirements without undue pressure.