Muntaka calls for collective action to curb violence in Ashanti Region

The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has called for collective and decisive action to strengthen security across the Ashanti Region.

He made the call during the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council’s New Year Retreat with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Nkawie on Saturday, January 17.

The retreat was held under the theme “Retreat, Re-organise, and Redirect Towards the Reset Agenda.”

Addressing the gathering, the Interior Minister emphasized the critical role of MMDCEs in ensuring peace, safety, and stability within their respective jurisdictions.

He expressed concern over the rise in violent crimes, particularly incidents involving firearms, and urged local government leaders to take the lead in promoting key security initiatives, especially the Gun Amnesty Programme.

He explained that the Gun Amnesty Programme, launched on December 1, 2025, has been extended to January 30, 2026, following appeals from stakeholders.

The initiative seeks to reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, strengthen conflict management mechanisms, and enhance fire and rescue services nationwide.

He revealed that the programme has already received positive responses, with strong support from civil society organizations and traditional authorities who are actively assisting with mop-up and sensitization exercises.

The Interior Minister encouraged MMDCEs to champion the Gun Amnesty Programme within their districts by organizing town hall meetings, collaborating with chiefs and opinion leaders, and promoting the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms.

He further urged them to provide regular progress reports to the Ministry of the Interior and to intensify local security coordination efforts to address emerging threats.

Alhaji Muntaka assured the public of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to implementing effective security policies to tackle challenges across the country and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to work closely with all stakeholders to promote peace, stability, and safety.

He concluded with a call for unity and action, stressing that decisive steps must be taken collectively to build a safer and more secure Ghana.