NACSA Raises Red Flag Over Sharp Surge in Gun Violence — 253% Increase in First Quarter of 2025

By Joylinda Laryea / July 10, 2025

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has expressed deep concern over an alarming rise in gun-related violence across Ghana, following the release of its 2025 First Quarter Open Source Gun Incidence Report.

According to the report, 53 incidents of gun violence were recorded between January and March 2025  a staggering 253.3% increase compared to just 15 incidents reported during the same period in 2024. The Ashanti Region topped the chart with the most reported cases, followed closely by the North East and Northern regions.

Gun violence incidents were reported in 15 out of the country’s 16 regions, compared to only nine regions in the first quarter of 2024  highlighting the growing and worrying spread of gun-related crimes nationwide.

The report cited armed robbery, violent confrontations, and chieftaincy disputes as the three leading causes of gun violence, accounting for over 60% of the cases. Other emerging causes included land disputes, indiscriminate shootings, and celebratory gunfire.

Men were the predominant actors and victims in these incidents. The Commission noted that males accounted for 59% of the perpetrators and 67% of the victims. A total of 72 deaths were recorded in the first quarter alone, with 64 of the deceased being men.

Another concerning trend identified in the report is the proliferation of unidentified weapons. Over half (54%) of the firearms recovered at crime scenes could not be traced, posing a serious challenge to arms control and public safety.

Reacting to the findings, the Acting Head of Communications and Media at NACSA, Mr. Carl Nii Anyetei Sowah, emphasized the urgent need for the swift passage of the Draft National Arms Bill into law to bolster regulatory oversight and enforcement.

“The high percentage of unidentified weapons at crime scenes and the alarming rise in gun violence across almost all regions of Ghana is a clear indication of the urgent need for stricter and more effective gun control measures,” Mr. Sowah stated.

NACSA is therefore calling on lawmakers, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to support the immediate passage of the Draft National Arms Bill to help curb the rising tide of gun-related violence and improve national security.

For further information, NACSA can be contacted via +233 (0)302 669 071 / 687 409 or through their website at www.smallarmscommission.gov.gh.