Ghanaians in possession of illegal firearms have been warned to surrender them before January 15 or face arrest and severe punishment when the ongoing national weapons amnesty expires.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, said persons found with illegal weapons after the deadline will be prosecuted for a first-degree felony, which carries the possibility of lengthy prison sentences.
Dr. Bonaa assured the public that the amnesty programme allows individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms at any police station across the country without fear of arrest, questioning or payment.
He explained that the exercise covers all categories of illegal weapons, including prohibited and stolen firearms such as AK-47 rifles.
According to him, thousands of weapons have already been retrieved nationwide since the start of the amnesty, with the Volta Region recording particularly high numbers. He noted that the process has so far been peaceful, with no reports of intimidation or arrests.
Dr. Bonaa cautioned that once the amnesty period ends, security agencies will begin enforcement operations. He added that informants who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal weapons will be rewarded.
He further warned that individuals found in rooms or homes where illegal firearms are discovered could be treated as suspects under the law.
The Acting Executive Secretary linked the proliferation of illegal weapons to violent crimes, chieftaincy disputes, land guard activities, and attacks on schools and places of worship.
He appealed to chiefs, assembly members and other community leaders to assist residents who may be afraid or uncertain about how to surrender their weapons.
Dr. Bonaa stressed that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse once enforcement begins and urged the public to take advantage of the amnesty to help safeguard lives and maintain peace.
The nationwide disarmament campaign is expected to intensify across all regions in the coming days.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
