Interior Minister Urges Unity in Tackling Crime in Ashanti Region
The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has called for decisive and collective efforts to strengthen security across the Ashanti Region.
He made the appeal on Saturday, January 17, during the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council’s New Year Retreat with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Nkawie. The retreat was held under the theme: “Retreat, Re-organise, and Redirect Towards the Reset Agenda.”
Addressing participants, Muntaka emphasized the critical role of MMDCEs in maintaining peace, safety, and stability in their districts. He expressed concern over the rising incidents of violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms, and urged local leaders to spearhead security initiatives, especially the Gun Amnesty Program.
The Minister explained that the Gun Amnesty Program, launched on December 1, 2025, has been extended to January 30, 2026, following requests from stakeholders. The initiative seeks to reduce the proliferation of small arms, strengthen conflict management systems, and enhance fire and rescue services across the country.
He revealed that the program has received strong support from civil society organizations and traditional authorities, who are actively assisting with sensitization and mop-up exercises. Alhaji Muntaka encouraged MMDCEs to champion the program in their districts by organizing town hall meetings, collaborating with chiefs and opinion leaders, and promoting the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms.
The Interior Minister also urged local leaders to provide regular progress reports to the Ministry of the Interior and to intensify coordination efforts to tackle emerging security threats.
Assuring the public of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to implementing effective security policies, Alhaji Muntaka reaffirmed the government’s resolve to work closely with all stakeholders to promote peace, stability, and safety nationwide. 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.
