The National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat has handed over 141 seized firearms and 1,864 cartridges to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for destruction as part of efforts to prevent illegal weapons from returning to circulation.
The weapons were transferred during a ceremony marking the assumption of office of Colonel K S Appiah as the new Director of Operations of the Secretariat. He takes over from Colonel Dominic Buah.
Ghana’s Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, attended the event, which officials said reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and improving the management of seized weapons.
A technical delegation led by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mohammed Gali Salam, received the firearms and ammunition on behalf of the organisation.
The items handed over included 121 pump action guns, 12 single barrel shotguns, one double barrel shotgun, two locally manufactured pistols and five military pattern pistols. The consignment also contained seven rounds of 9mm ammunition and 1,864 cartridges.
Officials said the firearms and ammunition will undergo the required marking process before being destroyed in accordance with national procedures.
The Commission said the exercise forms part of its mandate to remove illicit and unserviceable weapons from circulation and reduce the risk of their misuse.
Authorities say the handover highlights the importance of cooperation among state institutions in tackling the proliferation of illegal arms and enhancing public safety.
The move also reinforces Ghana’s commitment to effective firearms control and accountable arms management.
