322 gun-related robberies recorded in first quarter of 2025 – Small Arms Commission
According to the Commission, the data underscores the importance of the ongoing gun amnesty programme introduced by the Ministry of the Interior to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has raised alarm over rising gun-related crimes in the country, describing statistics from the first quarter of 2025 as “worrying” and in need of urgent intervention.
According to the Commission, the data underscores the importance of the ongoing gun amnesty programme introduced by the Ministry of the Interior to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms
Victor Akanbonga, Upper East Regional Programmes Officer for the Commission, disclosed the figures during an engagement on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, December 4.
He revealed that between January and March 2025, the country recorded 322 gun-related armed robbery cases, 342 murder cases, 70 incidents of unlawful possession of firearms, 130 weapons retrieved, 166 deaths, and 93 injuries.
“These worrying statistics justify the introduction of the gun amnesty programme by the government, and it gets even worse in the subsequent quarters.”
Akanbonga explained that the amnesty initiative gives individuals in illegal possession of firearms an opportunity to voluntarily surrender or regularise their weapons without fear of punishment.
He assured the public that no one who turns in a weapon during the amnesty period would be arrested, interrogated, or prosecuted.
“It is a six-week period that started on 1st December 2025 and will end on 15th January 2026. Within this period, when you are surrendering your weapon, there will be no questioning, no arrest, and no prosecution.” He emphasized.
Providing guidance on how to safely surrender a firearm, Akanbonga advised individuals to separate the ammunition from the weapon, place each in separate bags, and report to the nearest police station, where the arms registry will assist with the surrender or registration process.
He, however, cautioned that persons who fail to take advantage of the amnesty could face the full rigours of the law if found with unregistered or illegal firearms after the grace period.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
