Ghana’s fight against illegal firearms is entering a decisive phase, as authorities signal a shift from persuasion to enforcement. With 70 arrests already made and 130 illegal weapons recovered in the first half of 2025, security agencies say the era of tolerance is over, warning that offenders especially those attempting to smuggle weapons into the country will face the full force of the law.
The message was delivered forcefully by the Executive Secretary of the National Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (NSALW), Dr. Adam Bonaa, who issued a stern caution to travelers and gun owners alike.
“We will start using passengers arriving with illicit weapons as scapegoats. Bringing firearms and ammunition into this country is a crime, and offenders will face sanctions,” he warned.
The statement marks a turning point in Ghana’s long-running efforts to control the spread of illegal small arms and light weapons an issue that continues to fuel violent crime, armed robbery, land disputes, chieftaincy conflicts, and insecurity linked to illegal mining activities.
According to Dr. Bonaa, the 70 arrests and 130 weapon seizures recorded within just six months reflect intensified surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and closer collaboration among the Ghana Police Service, border security agencies, customs officials, and intelligence units. The recovered firearms include pistols, shotguns, and other prohibited weapons, many of which were unregistered and unlawfully held by civilians.
Security analysts say the numbers are significant, not just for their scale, but for what they reveal about the depth of the problem. Illegal firearms, once limited to conflict-prone areas, are increasingly being found in urban centers, border towns, and communities affected by illegal economic activities such as galamsey.
In some cases, weapons are used to protect illegal mining sites, intimidate residents, and resist law enforcement operations. In others, they find their way into criminal networks involved in armed robbery and violent crime. Authorities believe cutting off access to these weapons is critical to restoring public safety.
Dr. Bonaa’s warning makes it clear that travelers attempting to smuggle firearms through Ghana’s airports, seaports, or land borders will no longer be given the benefit of the doubt. Border security, he noted, has been strengthened, with increased screening, profiling, and intelligence sharing.
Porous borders remain one of the biggest challenges in the fight against illicit arms. Ghana’s geographic position makes it vulnerable to trafficking routes that span West Africa, where weapons often move across borders undetected. Authorities say some firearms enter the country through unapproved routes, while others are locally manufactured and circulated within communities.
Beyond border control, the NSALW continues to focus on public education and community engagement. Traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations are being encouraged to support disarmament efforts and discourage the normalization of gun ownership for personal protection.
Dr. Bonaa stressed that the fight against illegal firearms cannot be won by security agencies alone. He called on citizens to report suspicious activities and resist the temptation to harbor or conceal weapons within communities.
Civil society groups have welcomed the tougher stance, describing it as timely and necessary, especially as Ghana prepares for future elections. They argue that unchecked access to firearms increases the risk of electionrelated violence and undermines democratic stability.
However, some observers caution that enforcement must be fair, consistent, and transparent to avoid abuse.
They stress that while sanctions are necessary, authorities must also address the root causes driving illegal gun ownership, including fear, unemployment, and insecurity in certain areas.
The government insists that all individuals arrested in connection with illegal firearm possession will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of status or affiliation. Ghana’s firearms laws prescribe stiff penalties, including prison sentences, for illegal possession, trafficking, and smuggling of weapons.
For many ordinary Ghanaians, the crackdown offers hope for safer communities. Residents in areas affected by armed crime say the removal of weapons from circulation could reduce fear, protect lives, and restore confidence in law enforcement.
Security experts agree that every illegal weapon seized represents a potential crime prevented. They argue that sustained enforcement, combined with public cooperation and regional collaboration, could significantly reduce the flow of illicit arms into the country.
As Ghana tightens the net on illegal firearms, the message from authorities is unambiguous: the window for voluntary compliance is closing. Those who choose to defy the law whether by smuggling weapons across borders or hiding them within communities will face consequences.
While the battle against illicit arms trafficking is far from over, the arrest of 70 suspects and recovery of 130 weapons in just six months sends a strong signal. It reflects renewed determination by the state to protect lives, preserve peace, and ensure that guns do not define the future of Ghanaian society.
