Gun Amnesty: Instead of Stockpiling Weapons, Let’s Invest in Our Community Development

The adoption and implementation of the National Gun Amnesty policy in the Upper West Region marks a bold and visionary step toward securing lasting peace. The Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council (RESEC) deserve commendation for embracing this national initiative with the urgency and seriousness it demands. At a time when serial killings and pockets of land and chieftaincy disputes have heightened anxiety among residents, the rollout of this policy could not be more timely.

Although the region has enjoyed relative calm in recent years, the troubling rise in isolated serial killings continues to raise security concerns. With several chieftaincies and land litigations still unresolved, the gun amnesty initiative presents a timely opportunity for security agencies to assert control and swiftly contain any conflict that may erupt. RESEC’s decision to fully implement the policy reflects leadership, foresight, and a genuine commitment to safeguarding lives.

The Nadowli-Kaleo District Assembly also deserves praise for setting the pace. During a recent DISEC meeting, it became one of the first in the region to formally adopt the initiative. The district’s proactive stance positions it as a model for others. Given the history of offensive weapons being used during local disputes, the amnesty programme offers a chance to de-escalate tensions and promote reconciliation among feuding groups.

However, the success of the initiative must extend beyond the amnesty window. Illegal mining (galamsey) zones across the country and in the region must be prioritised for disarmament once the period ends. It is no secret that some groups openly display guns, both licensed and unlicensed, during funerals and other gatherings. Such practices not only breach the law but also endanger the public.

Security agencies must also address the alarming trend of individuals who believe a licensed gun grants them the freedom to display or fire it indiscriminately. The growing wave of gangsterism involving firearms is deeply concerning. A recent incident in Prestea, where rival gangs showcased their arsenals in a reckless contest of strength, underscores this danger. If these weapons were obtained for protection, why are they being brandished at funerals? In such chaotic displays, innocent lives are at risk, and this must stop.

To prevent the amnesty initiative from becoming a wasted effort, stricter regulation of licensed firearms is essential. Gun owners must be reminded that a weapon is meant for defence, not intimidation or showmanship. It's no secret that these galamsey operators possess and use very offensive weapons many of which aren't licensed. Therefore, the amnesty exercise is a perfect policy to get rid of these unlicensed weapons which could easily fall into the wrong hands to be used for robbery and other related crimes

Individuals keeping illegal or unregistered weapons are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the amnesty window. This period offers a rare chance to register or surrender their guns without fear of prosecution, thereby contributing to peace and security.

Traditional rulers, too, must assume a central role in driving this exercise. Many people may be willing to surrender their weapons but fear being arrested for possessing unregistered guns. Yet the purpose of the amnesty is not to criminalise them, it is to ensure that all weapons are properly licensed, accounted for, and kept out of the wrong hands. A louder and wider public education campaign is needed so that citizens understand the essence of the exercise and cooperate fully. If we place value on peace and commit ourselves to development, communities will no longer feel the need to stockpile weapons in preparation for conflict.

Communities that are secretly acquiring guns must be cautioned. Development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace. Instead of diverting scarce resources into weapons, households and communities should invest in health, education, sanitation, youth development, and agriculture. Such investments yield far greater benefits than the false security offered by guns. When development is prioritised, the youth prosper, and entire communities move forward.

Above all, the region must embrace a mindset of peace rather than one shaped by fear or anticipation of conflict. Across the world, conflicts have reversed progress, destroyed infrastructure, and left long-lasting emotional wounds. Such devastation is costly and wholly avoidable.

The gun amnesty initiative is, therefore, more than a policy; it is a window of hope. It offers an opportunity to rebuild trust, restore confidence, and chart a new path that values life over violence. With sustained commitment, community cooperation, and firm enforcement, the Upper West Region can nurture a safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous future for all.

The Trial News.