The Ministry of the Interior has announced the revocation of all existing firearm licences throughout the Republic of Ghana, effective Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
This directive constitutes a pivotal component of a broader regulatory reform agenda aimed at strengthening the nation’s firearms control architecture and safeguarding public safety.
Pursuant to the revocation, all former licence holders are hereby required to reapply for new authorisations under a substantially revised and rigorous vetting framework.
The Ministry has identified critical deficiencies in the erstwhile registration procedure, which necessitated this comprehensive overhaul.
The new licensing protocol stipulates that all applicants shall, as a condition precedent to approval, successfully complete the following mandatory requirements:
Psychological and Mental Health Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment conducted by a Ministry-accredited psychiatrist to determine the applicant’s psychological fitness.
Toxicological Screening: Compulsory drug and substance abuse testing to ascertain the absence of prohibited narcotics or controlled substances.
Structured Firearms Proficiency Training: Mandatory participation in an accredited training programme covering safe handling, storage, and legal obligations pertaining to firearm usage.
Addressing the media earlier today, the Honourable Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, underscored that the decision was necessitated by an escalating trend of registered firearms being utilised for purposes contrary to their authorised designation.
The Minister specifically cited a concerning increase in suicides committed with lawfully registered weapons within recent months.
“The government has observed a troubling pattern wherein legally acquired firearms are being diverted for unauthorised and tragic ends. Consequently, all previously granted permits are hereby revoked with immediate effect. A designated window shall be opened to facilitate the re-registration process under the revised and more stringent procedures,” stated the Minister.
In parallel with the licensing reforms, the Ministry has authorised the destruction of over two thousand (2,000) firearms. These weapons were either voluntarily surrendered under the national gun amnesty programme or confiscated during enforcement operations.
This exercise is intended to significantly reduce the volume of illegal and surplus arms in circulation.
