The Ministry of the Interior has revoked all firearm licences in Ghana with immediate effect and announced a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s firearms licensing system aimed at strengthening public safety and tightening gun control.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on June 23, 2026, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak said all firearm owners will be required to reapply for their licences under a new framework that includes mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening, and firearms training.
The Minister explained that the decision was prompted by concerns over weaknesses in the existing licensing regime, including reports of registered firearms being used in suicides and other unauthorised activities. He said a new registration window will be opened to allow gun owners to re-register their weapons under the revised procedures.
As part of efforts to curb illegal arms circulation, the government also announced plans to destroy more than 2,000 firearms that were either voluntarily surrendered or confiscated through the national gun amnesty programme.
The reforms come amid heightened scrutiny of firearm regulation following the suspension of the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited. The company was ordered to cease operations after preliminary investigations allegedly linked its personnel to the unauthorised use of uniforms, firearms, ammunition, and other security equipment during an assignment in Kwabenya, Accra.
The Ministry said investigations are ongoing and directed all institutions to suspend business dealings with the company pending the outcome of the probe. Authorities say the latest measures are intended to strengthen oversight of firearms and enhance national security.