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 Asogli Traditional Council as part of intensified sensitisation efforts on the ongoing nationwide Small Arms and Light Weapons Amnesty.
The visit, which formed part of NACSA’s Volta Regional engagement, brought together officials from the Ministry of the Interior, allied security agencies, and traditional authorities to deliberate on practical strategies to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons as well as strengthen peace and security in the region.
Dr. Bonaa expressed gratitude to the Asogli Traditional Council for warmly receiving the delegation and for their willingness to support the amnesty exercise. He said discussions around the need for a gun amnesty began shortly after his appointment, due to growing concerns over the increasing number of weapons in circulation across the country.
According to the Executive Secretary, the Volta Region occupies a strategic position in Ghana’s arms control discourse, noting that the area is known for its skilled firearms artisans and specialists. While such expertise is often perceived negatively, Dr. Bonaa said the Commission intends to engage it constructively by integrating lawful craftsmanship into regulated and approved frameworks.
He explained that the amnesty, which runs from December 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, is designed to allow individuals in possession of illicit firearms to voluntarily surrender them or regularise their weapons without fear of arrest. However, he cautioned that after the deadline, anyone found with illegal firearms will face prosecution, with penalties ranging from 10 to 15 years imprisonment.
Dr. Bonaa said the urgency of NACSA’s engagement in the Volta Region was heightened by recent disturbances and sporadic shootings around the Central Mosque area, describing the incidents as regrettable and harmful to the region’s peaceful reputation. He stressed that the Commission’s approach is preventive rather than punitive, aimed at reducing avoidable arrests and easing pressure on correctional facilities, in line with government’s push for non-custodial sentencing.
Touching on cultural issues, the Executive Secretary disclosed that the amnesty also seeks to regularise traditional weapons kept in palaces. He noted that while firearms form part of some cultural practices, their unregulated possession could potentially escalate conflicts among traditional areas. He said the exercise would ensure that such weapons are properly documented and safely stored.
Dr. Bonaa appealed to traditional rulers to act as ambassadors of the Ghana Gun Amnesty, using their influence to encourage voluntary surrender and registration of weapons within their jurisdictions. He emphasised that Ghana’s peace and stability must be safeguarded to preserve the country’s positive image in the sub-region and globally, warning that insecurity could result in travel restrictions and loss of international confidence.
As part of activities in the Volta Region, Dr. Bonaa announced a series of engagements including a sensitisation forum for heads of security and public institutions, as well as a public awareness walk. Participants, he said, would wear Ghana Gun Amnesty T-shirts and carry placards urging citizens to “silence the guns while lifting Ghana up.”
Togbi Anikpi III of Ho Heve, speaking on behalf of the Asogli Traditional Council, commended NACSA for the initiative, acknowledging that many homes in the region and across the country possess arms and ammunition, some of which are unregistered or have expired licences. He described the amnesty as a crucial opportunity for firearm owners to regularise their weapons legally.
However, he expressed concern that public awareness of the amnesty has not been extensive enough, particularly as the deadline draws closer. He called for intensified publicity through information vans, the Information Services Department, and local FM stations to reach grassroots communities.
Togbi Anikpi III also raised concerns about the use of firearms during funerals, masquerade displays, and other cultural activities, noting that many people wrongly assume such practices are unrestricted. He urged the Commission to intensify education on the illegality of indiscriminate gun use, even during traditional events.
The traditional ruler further appealed to NACSA to consider extending the amnesty deadline beyond January 15 to allow more individuals, including some traditional leaders who own firearms, ample time to comply without undue pressure.
From Daniel K. Orlando, Ho