A panel discussion on the Adkyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM heated up this morning as panelists debated the recent directive by the Minister for the Interior to suspend all registered firearm licences in Ghana.
Speaking on the programme, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, Emmanuel Azubila Salam Executive Secretary for ADAMS GH strongly disagreed with the directive. He described it as unfortunate that a single incident, reportedly involving former Member of Parliament Adwoa Safo, could lead to the suspension of the entire firearm licensing regime in the country.
According to Salam, who identified himself as a licensed firearm holder, the process of acquiring and registering firearms in Ghana is already comprehensive and rigorous. He therefore questioned the need for a nationwide re-registration exercise.
Other panelists shared similar concerns. Joseph Awuku, President of the Serial Callers Association of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also expressed reservations about the directive, arguing that the Interior Minister may have erred in adopting such a broad measure.
He suggested that the Minister should work closely with his technical team to develop effective strategies for managing and controlling the proliferation of firearms rather than issuing what he described as a blanket directive.
Mr. Awuku maintained that Ghana has made significant progress with its current firearm licensing policy and that legal firearm ownership is primarily intended for personal protection. He stressed that the existing system should be strengthened to ensure public safety rather than suspended altogether.
He further acknowledged that the Interior Minister is addressing genuine concerns but urged him to rely more on expert advice and technical guidance to protect national security while safeguarding the rights of legitimate firearm owners.
On the other hand, Moses Klomega, aspiring Deputy Communications Officer of the NDC in the Tema West Constituency, expressed partial support for the Minister’s decision. While acknowledging that the process of acquiring a firearm in Ghana is highly comprehensive, he questioned how effective the new re-registration exercise would be in practice.
Mr. Klomega suggested that the Minister should collaborate with all relevant security agencies to intensify public education campaigns on firearm acquisition, ownership, and safety regulations. He emphasized that such awareness efforts should be carried out at all levels, from local communities to the national stage.
Background to the Directive
In a related development, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, announced the immediate suspension of all registered firearm licences in Ghana as part of a major reform of the country’s weapons ownership and control system.
The directive took effect at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, and forms part of broader efforts aimed at tightening oversight, improving accountability, and strengthening national security.
According to the Minister, the decision was necessitated by emerging concerns about gaps in the firearm licensing regime, including compliance breaches and the misuse of legally registered weapons.
“Everybody in Ghana who currently holds a legitimate licence to own a gun, today I am suspending all of it,” he stated.
He explained that the measure would allow authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit and restructuring of the country’s firearm control system.
The Minister further indicated that the decision was prompted by what he described as a “new phenomenon” that poses a threat to public safety.
The announcement follows reports of a shooting incident involving Adwoa Safo at a property linked to Israel Safo in the Greater Accra Region. The incident is reportedly connected to an ongoing succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo, in September last year.