The Ministry of the Interior has revoked all existing firearm licences across the country, introducing a new licensing system that will require all firearm holders to reapply and undergo stricter screening before approval.
The directive, which takes immediate effect from Tuesday, June 23, 2026, forms part of government’s efforts to tighten firearms regulation, address gaps in the current system, and improve public safety.
Addressing journalists in Accra, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak said the review has become necessary following concerns over the misuse of legally acquired firearms and the increasing involvement of licensed weapons in criminal and self-harm incidents.
He explained that the new process will include mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening, and structured firearms training for applicants before licences are issued.
According to the Minister, the decision follows observations that some individuals have used firearms for purposes beyond those for which they were originally authorised.
The Ministry has also announced plans to destroy more than 2,000 firearms that have been voluntarily surrendered or seized under the national gun amnesty programme.
The latest move comes shortly after the suspension of the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited following a shooting incident at Kwabenya that left former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo injured.
Government says the reforms are part of broader measures to strengthen oversight of firearm possession and ensure greater accountability among individuals and institutions authorised to use firearms.
