628 armed robberies, 340 murders were recorded as of July 2025 – Interior Minister

Ghana’s Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, disclosed that as of July 2025, the country experienced 628 armed robbery cases and 340 murder cases.

At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Minister expressed worry over the situation, pointing out that the number represents a troubling picture compared to the previous year.

“The statistics are not encouraging at all. In 2024, there were 1,219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July this year, statistics from the Criminal Investigation Department and the Ghana Police reveal that within half of the year, we have already recorded 628 cases of armed robbery and 340 murder cases respectively,” he stated.

“All of these individuals used violent means to achieve their objectives, and illicit arms were employed,” he added.

In a decisive move to address the escalating crime rate in Ghana, the government has launched a Gun Amnesty programme, following comprehensive consultations with the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, security agencies, traditional leaders, religious organisations, and civil society groups.

The Minister characterized the amnesty as a “bold and compassionate initiative” designed to reduce the proliferation of illicit firearms and enhance public safety.

According to the Minister, the initiative offers individuals in possession of illicit firearms the opportunity to surrender them without facing prosecution, thereby preventing further violent crimes.

Minister Mubarak emphasized the importance of community cooperation in making the initiative a success, urging citizens to participate actively and help create a safer Ghana for all.

Furthermore, the Ministry is taking steps to restrict the use of arms during cultural celebrations, with plans to engage traditional authorities in training to enforce a firearms ban during festivals.