The Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, Adib Saani, has called on the government to suspend the blanket implementation of its directive revoking civilian firearm licences, warning that the decision, although well-intentioned, lacks the operational framework needed for effective implementation.
Reading a statement on behalf of a coalition of civil society organisations at a press conference in Accra on Monday, Mr. Saani said the group supports stronger firearms regulation, but believes the current approach could create confusion, overwhelm state institutions and erode public confidence.
The press conference followed the recent directive by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, revoking or suspending all existing civilian firearm licences with immediate effect.
Mr. Saani stressed that the coalition was not opposed to responsible gun control, including mandatory mental health assessments, drug testing, firearms training, background checks and stronger state oversight.
“We support firm, modern, transparent and accountable firearms regulation,” he said, adding that firearm ownership should never be treated as a status symbol, but as a serious public safety responsibility.
He, however, argued that the institutions expected to implement the directive do not appear adequately prepared.
According to him, the government has not explained how many licensed firearm holders would be affected, where the various assessments and training would take place, how much applicants would be expected to pay or how the process would accommodate persons outside the country, in remote communities or those unable to report immediately.
He warned that directing thousands of firearm owners to a few facilities for training, drug testing and mental health assessments without a comprehensive implementation framework could result in congestion, delays and possible abuse.
The coalition also criticised what it described as inadequate public education on the directive, saying a nationwide policy affecting lawful firearm ownership should have been preceded by extensive public sensitisation through the media, regional engagements and the publication of clear guidelines.
Mr. Saani noted that the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has a mandate to educate the public on firearms issues and should have spearheaded a nationwide awareness campaign before enforcement commenced.
He further warned that the directive could undermine public confidence generated by the government’s recent gun amnesty programme, under which thousands of unregistered firearms were surrendered or regularised.
According to him, citizens may hesitate to participate in future amnesty exercises if policies affecting lawful firearm ownership are changed without clear transitional arrangements.
Mr. Saani urged the government to prioritise the passage of the proposed Arms Bill, which he said would modernise Ghana’s firearms control regime through clearer licensing procedures, stronger institutional coordination, improved data management and better regulation of firearms training facilities.
He also called on the Ministry of the Interior to clarify whether the current exercise is a revocation, suspension, recall, audit or re-registration process, arguing that each has distinct legal implications.
The coalition further appealed to the Ministry to publish detailed implementation guidelines, including timelines, approved testing centres, applicable fees, exemptions and an appeals mechanism for persons whose licences may be denied renewal.
Among its recommendations, the coalition proposed that the government replace the blanket directive with a phased, region-by-region audit and revalidation exercise, establish certified firearms training centres across the country, intensify public education and strengthen efforts against illicit arms trafficking and illegal firearms manufacturing.
Mr. Saani said Ghana needs stronger firearms control but maintained that reforms must be implemented transparently, fairly and with adequate institutional preparedness to ensure public trust and long-term effectiveness.
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