Ghana suspends all firearm licences as interior ministry launches review

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak ordered the immediate suspension of every valid firearm licence in Ghana on 23 June, saying a “new phenomenon” was threatening public safety. He told Joy FM, “Everybody in Ghana who currently holds a legitimate licence to possess a gun … I am suspending all of it.” The move follows an alleged shooting involving former MP Sarah Adwoa Safo linked to a succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission.

Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi announced a temporary embargo on issuing new licences while existing regulations are reviewed. Existing licences may still be renewed, and the ministry plans to destroy surplus firearms and tighten training requirements before a new licensing framework is introduced.