The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Muntaka Mubarak, has announced the immediate suspension of all active gun licences across the country as part of a major review of Ghana’s firearms licensing regime.
Speaking on Joy FM on June 23, 2026, the minister said the directive took effect from 12 noon on Tuesday, citing growing public safety concerns and weaknesses in the current licensing system.
According to him, recent incidents involving licensed firearm holders have exposed significant gaps in the process used to approve gun ownership.
“We’ve realised a new phenomenon, which is threatening public safety. The affluent, like you and I, are registering these guns and they have them. And now, in the last three months, we’ve seen three affluent persons that have used it to commit suicide,” he said.
Muntaka noted that existing procedures do not adequately assess the mental health status of applicants, conduct drug tests, or provide compulsory firearms training.
“We are realising that what we think that was lacking, we don’t do mental health, we don’t do drug tests, and we don’t also train. When I was going to register it, they didn’t do any mental help for me. They didn’t check whether I’m on drugs,” he stated.
The Interior Minister explained that all existing licences will be deactivated as government rolls out a new licensing framework with stricter requirements.
Under the proposed reforms, prospective gun owners will be required to undergo mental health assessments through the Mental Health Authority, drug screening by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and mandatory firearms handling training at approved facilities, including the Tesano Shooting Range.
“Applicants will be required to undergo a mental health assessment through the Mental Health Authority, drug screening conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission and mandatory firearms handling training at approved facilities,” he said.
According to the minister, licences will only be reissued after applicants complete all the required assessments and training.
He said the reforms are intended to strengthen public safety, promote responsible gun ownership and prevent the misuse of firearms.
The government is expected to announce details of the new application process in the coming weeks.
