The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has declared the immediate suspension of all registered firearm licenses in Ghana as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s weapons ownership and control framework.
This directive will take effect at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, and is part of wider reforms aimed at enhancing oversight, increasing accountability, and bolstering national security.
During an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the minister stated that this decision was essential due to rising concerns regarding deficiencies in the firearm licensing system, including violations of compliance and the improper use of legally registered firearms.
“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 remarked.
He elaborated that this action is designed to enable authorities to perform a thorough audit and reorganisation of the firearms control system.
He indicated that the decision was prompted by what he referred to as a “new phenomenon” that threatens public safety.
“Because we have realised a new phenomenon which is threatening public safety,” he emphasised.
This announcement comes in the wake of reports regarding a shooting incident involving Ms. Adwoa Safo at a property associated with Israel Safo in the Greater Accra Region.
The incident is linked to an ongoing succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the passing of its founder, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo, in September of the previous year.
The dispute has resulted in competing claims over the leadership of the church and its affiliated institutions, with legal proceedings already in progress.
In a statement, the Kwadwo Safo family claimed that Ms. Adwoa Safo was present at the property to serve a court injunction during an installation event involving Israel Safo when the shooting took place.
The allegations are currently under police investigation.
Authorities indicate that the nationwide suspension is a component of initiatives aimed at stabilising the firearms system during the ongoing investigations and reforms.
