Omanghana
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has announced the immediate suspension and wholesale revocation of all active civilian firearm licenses across Ghana, effective June 23, 2026, in a sweeping new national security directive.
The decision follows heightened public concern after the June 21 shooting incident involving former Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo during a violent family succession dispute in Kwabenya, Accra.
Under the new policy, all existing civilian firearm licenses have been declared void, requiring gun owners to undergo a complete reapplication and revalidation process under significantly stricter conditions.
Nationwide Crackdown on Firearm Ownership
As part of the overhaul, the Ministry of the Interior has introduced a series of stringent new requirements aimed at tightening control over civilian firearm possession.
Gun owners will now be required to:
- Reapply for all firearm licenses from scratch under a revised regulatory framework
- Complete revalidation within three months, or face criminal prosecution
- Undergo mandatory mental health evaluations and drug testing as part of eligibility checks
- Participate in certified practical firearm training courses before any license is reissued
Officials say the reforms are intended to strengthen oversight, improve public safety, and address gaps identified in the current licensing system.
Key Triggers Behind the Policy Shift
The Interior Ministry outlined two major factors that prompted the emergency regulatory action.
Kwabenya Estate Shooting Investigation
The violent incident in Kwabenya exposed serious concerns about private security operations and firearms accountability. Reports indicate that guards allegedly linked to Kantanka Security Services Limited were found in possession of unauthorized weapons, ammunition, and unapproved uniforms during the operation at the family property of Adwoa Safo.
In response, authorities have suspended the company’s operating license pending further investigations.
Concerns Over Mental Health and Gun Access
Minister Mubarak also cited what he described as a disturbing rise in firearm-related suicides among licensed gun owners, including three cases involving affluent individuals over the past three months.
He noted that the trend has exposed significant weaknesses in existing mental health screening procedures tied to firearm licensing, prompting the introduction of enhanced psychological and medical evaluations under the new framework.
Ongoing Criminal Investigations
While the government moves forward with regulatory reforms, the Ghana Police Service continues its investigation into the Kwabenya shooting incident.
Eight suspects, including Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena, a younger brother of the former MP, have been arrested and processed before the court. Authorities also confirmed the recovery of multiple loaded pump-action guns and pistols from the scene.
Investigations remain ongoing as security agencies work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and the role of individuals and private security personnel involved.
The Interior Ministry says further updates on the firearm licensing reforms and enforcement measures will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Source: Omanghana
