News Guide Africa

Tag: Hon Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak

  • Ghana destroys illicit firearms: Julius Debrah reaffirms government’s uncompromising stance on national security

    Ghana destroys illicit firearms: Julius Debrah reaffirms government’s uncompromising stance on national security

    ​By Staff Reporter

     

    In a decisive move to protect the nation’s peace, security, and democratic stability, the Government of Ghana oversaw the public destruction of thousands of confiscated and surrendered illicit firearms.

     

    ​The exercise, which marked the 8th National Small Arms Destruction Ceremony, was held at the Police Depot in Tesano, Accra. The event coincided with the global observance of the United Nations International Small Arms Destruction Day, drawing together senior state officials, security heads, development partners, and civil society organizations.

    ​Delivering the keynote address, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, reiterated Ghana’s uncompromising stance against the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons. He emphasized that the exercise went far beyond a symbolic gesture.

     

    ​”The destruction of these confiscated and surrendered firearms demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that illegal weapons do not find their way back into Ghanaian communities,” Hon. Debrah declared.

     

    ​The Chief of Staff highly commended the patriotism of Ghanaian citizens who voluntarily complied with the state’s Gun Amnesty Programme. The initiative successfully yielded the surrender of more than 4,000 illicit firearms. Hon. Debrah urged the general public to remain vigilant and proactive by reporting any illegal possession, trafficking, or usage of firearms to law enforcement agencies.

    ​Sub-regional threats and community vigilance

     

    ​Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, reaffirmed that every single firearm destroyed represents a monumental victory in Ghana’s ongoing fight against crime. He noted that removing these weapons effectively prevents them from falling into the hands of armed robbers, political vigilantes, violent extremists, and other dangerous criminal elements.

     

    ​Minister Mohammed-Mubarak, however, issued a stark warning regarding the volatile security climate in the West African sub-region. While Ghana maintains an enviable reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable democracies, the Minister cautioned that the trans-border circulation of illicit small arms continues to fuel organized crime, armed conflicts, and cross-border insecurity across neighboring territories.

    ​To combat this creeping threat, the Interior Minister made a passionate appeal to traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to actively support state apparatuses. He stressed that national security is a collective responsibility that requires public education, heightened community vigilance, and the continuous promotion of peaceful coexistence.

    ​The high-profile event concluded with the physical destruction of the weapons, sending a powerful message of Ghana’s collective determination to eradicate illicit firearms and safeguard its sustainable development and national peace.

  • Ghana Boosts Maritime Security with New Patrol Boats for Marine Police Unit

    Ghana Boosts Maritime Security with New Patrol Boats for Marine Police Unit

    Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency, has commissioned four new patrol boats for the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service.

    The ceremony, held earlier today in Tema, marks a significant step in strengthening maritime security and safeguarding national interests.

     

    The Minister emphasized the critical role of the blue economy in Ghana’s development agenda, highlighting its potential for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

    He noted that the Ghana Marine Police Unit plays a vital role in ensuring law and order across the country’s maritime domain, preventing piracy, securing marine resources, and protecting lives.

     

    The newly commissioned patrol boats will significantly boost the Unit’s operational capacity, enabling effective patrols, swift emergency response, and enhanced efforts to combat maritime crime.

    The boats will support surveillance, rescue operations, anti-smuggling initiatives, and rapid response to distress calls, ensuring that Ghana’s marine resources are protected from illegal exploitation.

     

     

    Hon. Mubarak reassured the public that the Ministry of the Interior and the Government remain committed to peace and security, working tirelessly to ensure that every Ghanaian enjoys a safe and secure environment.

    The commissioning of the patrol boats forms part of a broader government initiative to strengthen the Ghana Police Service and maintain law and order while protecting the nation’s strategic interests.

  • Interior Minister Gives Citizens 6 Weeks to Surrender Illicit Guns

    Interior Minister Gives Citizens 6 Weeks to Surrender Illicit Guns

    Minister for the Interior, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a nationwide gun amnesty programme running from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

    The initiative forms part of government’s broader strategy to reduce the circulation of unregistered and unlawfully held firearms across the country.

     

    Speaking at a press briefing on November 18, the Minister warned of the dangers posed by illicit weapons, stressing that they continue to fuel violent crimes and conflicts both in public spaces and within communities.

     

    “These weapons unregistered and unlawfully held are fueling armed robbery, violent disputes, chieftaincy and land conflicts, and domestic violence. They turn minor disagreements into bloodshed and pit communities against each other. They rob us of fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters lives that should be shaping the future of Ghana,” he said.

     

    The Minister revealed alarming crime statistics: “In 2024 there were 1219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July this year there were 628 and 340 robbery and murder cases respectively.”

     

    He explained that after consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), and other stakeholders, government resolved to declare the amnesty. “That is why, after broad consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, our security agencies, traditional leaders, religious organizations, and civil society, the Government has resolved to declare a Gun Amnesty.”

     

    Describing the initiative as compassionate but urgent, the Minister said: “This amnesty is a window of grace. It offers every law-abiding Ghanaian who holds an unregistered or illicit firearm the opportunity to surrender it without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution. From 1st December 2025 to 15th January 2026, any person who voluntarily hands over such weapons at designated collection points will be commended, not condemned.”

     

    He cautioned that those who fail to comply will face strict enforcement after the amnesty period. “But let me be clear: when this amnesty period ends, the law will take its full course. The Ghana Police Service and all security agencies will intensify operations to recover illicit arms. Those who refuse this generous offer will be treated as criminals, and the consequences will be firm and uncompromising.”

     

    The Minister outlined accompanying measures, including suspension of new firearm import and sales permits, a temporary ban on the use of firearms in traditional celebrations, enhanced border security, post-amnesty joint operations to retrieve illegal weapons, and intensified swoops in crime-prone areas.

    Preparatory steps such as consultations with chiefs, regional ministers, ambassadors, arms dealers, and opinion leaders, as well as sensitisation campaigns and training of officials, have already been undertaken.

     

    Calling for national cooperation, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak urged leaders and the media to help spread the message. “I call upon our chiefs, elders, pastors, imams, opinion leaders, community associations, and the media to amplify this message. Encourage your communities to surrender illicit firearms.”

     

    He ended his address with a rallying call: “Guns down, Ghana up!”

  • Govt rolls out safety measures for upcoming internal security recruitments

    Govt rolls out safety measures for upcoming internal security recruitments

    The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has announced that the online application portal for recruitment into the Police, Prisons, Fire, and Immigration Services will officially open on Monday, November 17, 2025.

     

    The announcement comes with new safety measures aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring a smooth nationwide selection process.

     

    According to the Minister, government has taken lessons from the recent tragedy at the El-Wak Sports Stadium and is determined to avoid a repeat. “To achieve this, multiple screening centres will be set up in every region. Accra alone will have between 10 and 15 centres to accommodate the large number of applicants,” he stated.

     

    Each centre will host no more than 1,000 applicants per day 500 in the morning and another 500 in the afternoon. Applicants have been cautioned to strictly follow their scheduled time. “Anyone who arrives in the morning when scheduled for the afternoon session will be instantly disqualified,” the Minister warned.

     

    To further ease congestion, the screening will be conducted in phases. The Police Service will begin its exercise first, followed by other agencies. No two security institutions will conduct screenings at the same venue simultaneously.

     

    Hon. Mubarak assured the public that these measures are designed to protect lives, maintain order, and ensure fairness throughout the recruitment process.

  • NACOC HANDS OVER $1.7 MILLION WORTH OF SEIZED GOLD TO GOLDBOD

    The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has handed over 17 gold bars, valued at $1.7 million, to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) at the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.

    The gold bars were seized by officers of the Upper East Command of the Narcotics Control Commission at the Paga Border Post from two Burkinabe nationals who were attempting to smuggle them out of the country. The two nationals have also been charged with gold offences relating to transportation and dealing in gold.

    Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, assured the management of GoldBod of the Ministry’s continued support and backing for GoldBod’s efforts to manage Ghana’s gold resources.

    The Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, expressed gratitude to the Director-General of NACOC for the successful handover and called for continued support and collaboration between various security agencies to enable them to succeed.

    The handing over ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Annan, Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and other senior officials from NACOC and GoldBod.

  • Muntaka directs NACOC operationalise the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund at a passing out ceremony 

    Hon Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak at the Passing-Out Parade of Security Officers

     

     

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The Minister of the Interior, Hon Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has directed the Management of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to as a matter of urgency operationalise the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund as provided for in Section 22 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020.

     

    At the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema, he commended the leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Ghana.

    In a post shared on his social media account, he wrote;

     

    “Earlier today, I had the honour of attending the graduation parade and parchment ceremony of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, held at the Leadership Training School in Tema. I took the opportunity to commend the current leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for their renewed zeal and unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Ghana.

     

    “The recent increase in arrests is a clear indication of the tighter measures that have been implemented; aimed at making Ghana an unattractive destination for illicit drug trafficking and the syndicates. Government, in collaboration with NACOC, remains steadfast in its resolve to dismantle drug networks and ensure a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.

    “I was pleased to note that the graduating cadets have successfully completed the rigorous six-and-a-half-month training programme. This training has equipped them with essential skills in pharmacology, financial investigations, and intelligence gathering. These competencies will empower the new officers to combat the illicit drug trade with fairness, integrity and professionalism.

     

    “I also tasked NACOC to operationalize the Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Fund, which is intended to support research, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for individuals battling addiction. In support of this initiative, I pledged to provide the seed fund and encourage corporate bodies as well to contribute as part of their corporate social responsibility.

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    “Furthermore, I reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to NACOC and other security agencies to strengthen their capacity in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

     

    “I emphasized that the battle against drugs requires a collective national effort. I urged the graduating cadets to perform their duties with courage, professionalism and compassion.

     

    “Finally, I congratulated the cadets on their achievements and called on all stakeholders to work together in protecting our nation and building a Ghana free from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

     

     

     

    Passing-Out Parade at the Ankaful Prison Officers

     

    At a similar event of Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at the Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School, Hon Muntaka Mubarak wrote…

     

    “Earlier today, I had the honour of attending the Passing-Out Parade of Recruit Course 125 at the Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School in the Central Region.

     

    In my remarks, I emphasized the urgent need for correctional reform in Ghana and highlighted Government’s commitment to transforming the Ghana Prisons Service into a modern correctional institution focused on rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration.

     

    I reaffirmed that the Government remains committed to expanding vocational training, educational programmes and productive inmate enterprises—key interventions that reinforce our vision for a correctional system grounded in genuine transformation. Correctional facilities must become centres of reform, not merely places of detention.

     

    This is not an act of charity, but a strategic investment in our national security and human capital. When we equip inmates with employable skills, we reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Rehabilitation and reformation do not occur in isolation—they must be linked to purposeful and productive activity.

     

    To give practical effect to this policy, I announced that the Government will scale up support for prison-based ventures. Initiatives such as carpentry, tailoring, agriculture and industrial operations, including bottled water production, will be central to building a sustainable and self-reliant correctional economy.

     

    I also directed all institutions under the Ministry for the Interior to prioritize the purchase of bottled water and toilet rolls produced by the Ghana Prisons Service. This initiative will not only reduce the financial burden on the state, but also generate internal revenue and promote inmate productivity.

     

    I reassured the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service of the Government’s unwavering support—a commitment that extends beyond logistical and infrastructural improvements to the reformation of the very foundation of correctional practice in Ghana.

     

    To the new officers passing out today, I urged them to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism. Their service must reflect the high standards of the Ghana Prisons Service and uphold the trust and confidence the nation has placed in them.”