Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has announced the immediate suspension of all registered firearm licences in Ghana, marking a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s weapons ownership and control system. The directive, effective from 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, is part of broader reforms aimed at tightening oversight, enhancing accountability, and reinforcing national security.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the minister explained that the move was prompted by growing concerns over gaps in the licensing regime, including compliance breaches and misuse of legally registered weapons. “Effective today, Tuesday, June 23, I am suspending every legitimate gun licence currently held in Ghana,” he declared, stressing that the suspension will enable authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit and restructuring of the firearms control framework.
He added that the decision was driven by what he described as a “new phenomenon” posing a serious threat to public safety. The announcement follows reports of a shooting incident involving Ms Adwoa Safo at a property linked to Israel Safo in the Greater Accra Region. The incident is connected to an ongoing succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo, in September last year.
The dispute has led to competing claims over leadership of the church and its associated institutions, with legal processes already underway. In a statement, the Kwadwo Safo family alleged that Ms Adwoa Safo was at the property to serve a court injunction during an installation event involving Israel Safo when the shooting occurred. The allegations are currently under investigation by the police.
Authorities say the nationwide suspension is part of efforts to stabilise the firearms system while investigations and reforms are carried out.
Source: Albert Kuzor
