The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Ashanti Region to take decisive and collective action to strengthen security and curb rising violent crime in their jurisdictions.
Speaking earlier today at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council’s New Year Retreat in Nkawie, the minister expressed concern over the increasing incidence of violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms, and stressed the need for proactive leadership at the local level to ensure peace, safety and stability.
The retreat, which brought together MMDCEs from across the region, was held under the theme “Retreat, Re-organize, and Redirect Towards the Reset Agenda.”
Alhaji Muntaka underscored the importance of the Gun Amnesty Programme as a key security initiative, urging MMDCEs to champion its implementation within their districts. He noted that the programme, launched on December 1, 2025, has been extended to January 30, 2026, following appeals from key stakeholders.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, strengthen conflict management mechanisms, and improve fire and rescue services nationwide.
He disclosed that the programme has already recorded encouraging results, with civil society organizations and traditional authorities lending strong support through sensitization campaigns and mop-up exercises.
The interior minister encouraged MMDCEs to intensify public education by organizing town hall meetings, working closely with chiefs and opinion leaders, and promoting the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms within their communities.
He further directed district heads to provide regular updates on the programme’s progress to the Ministry of the Interior and to strengthen coordination among local security agencies.
Alhaji Muntaka reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing effective policies to address security challenges across the country, assuring the public of government’s resolve to work with all stakeholders to promote peace, stability and safety.
“Together, we must act decisively to build a safer and more secure Ghana,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
