Adib Saani addressing the press
The Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the Ministry of the Interior to immediately suspend the blanket revocation of civilian firearm licences, describing the implementation approach as problematic and administratively unprepared.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, Adib Saani, clarified that the CSOs support firm, modern, transparent, and accountable firearms regulation, including mental health assessments and training. However, they are deeply concerned by the manner of the implementation.
He reiterated that firearms regulation cannot be treated like a secret security operation since it affects public safety, lawful ownership, community trust, policing, and national security.
Mr. Saani mentioned that the Ministry of the Interior and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons recently encouraged persons with unregistered weapons to surrender or regularise them without fear of arrest or prosecution, and according to public reports, over 4,000 weapons were brought in under that exercise, some for regularisation and some for destruction, adding that it was a positive step.
”Amnesty programmes work only when citizens trust the state. If people are encouraged to regularise their firearms today, and shortly afterwards, all licences are suspended or revoked without a clear transitional arrangement, the message to the public becomes confusing,” he pointed out.
He disclosed that a new arms bill has been developed to address many of the gaps in Ghana’s firearms control regime. The bill contains important proposals that can modernise Ghana’s firearms regulation, including clearer licensing procedures, stronger institutional coordination, improved data systems, marking and tracing obligations, and the possibility of public-private partnerships in running certified shooting ranges.
Mr. Saani stressed that Ghana’s current firearms legal framework is old and fragmented, and does not adequately address today’s realities such as: private security growth, modern weapons trafficking, mental health concerns, digital databases, ballistic tracing, certified shooting ranges, gun safety training, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Ghana’s international obligations under instruments such as the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the UN Programme of Action.
”The solution is not merely to revoke licences. The real solution is to pass a modern law, resource the institutions, build a credible national firearms database, train enforcement officers, regulate dealers, certify shooting ranges, and create a transparent renewal system that is fair, firm, and predictable,” he stated.
He stated that the problem of armed violence in Ghana is real, stressing that illicit weapons are a threat to public safety, peace, and election security, “but lawful firearm owners should not automatically be treated as criminals.”
”The state must target illegal possession, illicit manufacturing, arms trafficking, misuse of registered firearms, and irresponsible licensing. Lawful owners must be regulated firmly, but they must also be treated fairly,” he added.
Mr. Saani stressed that Ghana needs stronger firearms control, however, stronger control “must not mean disorderly control, also it must not mean panic administration. It must not mean punishing lawful citizens because the state failed to modernise its systems.”
”We urge the Minister for the Interior to treat this matter not as a show of authority but an opportunity for national reform,” he urged.
”Jatikay remains available to support government, Parliament, security agencies, civil society, and development partners in building a safer, more accountable, and more modern firearms control regime for Ghana,” he added.
By Janet Odei Amponsah