Julius Debrah: Destruction of 2,000 Firearms Signals Tougher Crackdown on Illegal Arms

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah says the destruction of more than 2,000 confiscated and surrendered firearms signals a new phase in Ghana’s efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal weapons and enhance public safety.

Speaking at the National Arms Destruction Ceremony held to mark the United Nations Small Arms Destruction Initiative, Mr. Debrah said the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to permanently removing illicit firearms from circulation.

According to him, the destroyed weapons include firearms seized during security operations, confiscated through court orders, voluntarily surrendered under the national gun amnesty programme, and others handed over outside the amnesty process.

Mr. Debrah said permanently destroying the weapons would prevent them from re-entering circulation and being used for criminal activities.

He noted that the exercise also marks the end of the voluntary compliance phase of the national gun amnesty programme and the beginning of stricter enforcement of Ghana’s firearms laws.

The Chief of Staff reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations on firearms, curbing the spread of illegal weapons, and strengthening national security.

He added that sustained efforts to eliminate illicit arms are essential to preserving peace, reducing crime, and protecting communities across the country.