Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has suspended all active firearm licences in Ghana with immediate effect.
The directive took effect at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23. It forms part of plans to reform the country’s gun ownership system and improve public safety.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Mubarak said the government needed to act because of growing concerns about the misuse of legally owned weapons.
Government begins nationwide review
Mr Mubarak said every licensed gun owner in Ghana is affected by the decision.
“Everybody in Ghana who currently holds a legitimate license to hold a gun, today (Tuesday, June 23), I am suspending all of it. All of it that everybody is holding,” he said.
He explained that the suspension will allow authorities to review the entire licensing system.
In addition, security agencies will carry out a fresh assessment to strengthen oversight and accountability.
According to him, the review became necessary because of new threats to public safety.
“Because we have realised a new phenomenon which is threatening public safety,” he stated.
Recent events influenced the decision
Meanwhile, the announcement comes after reports of a shooting incident involving former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo.
The incident reportedly occurred at a property linked to Israel Safo in the Greater Accra Region.
The dispute relates to leadership issues within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo, in September last year.
According to the Kwadwo Safo family, Ms Adwoa Safo had gone to the property to serve a court injunction during an installation ceremony involving Israel Safo when the shooting happened.
Police have since launched investigations into the matter.
Stricter controls expected
Furthermore, the Interior Ministry says the suspension forms part of wider reforms to strengthen gun control.
Authorities hope the exercise will improve monitoring and reduce the risk of abuse.
As a result, gun owners are expected to undergo fresh screening under a new framework.
The government says the reforms will help restore confidence in the country’s firearm licensing system and enhance national security.
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