The Ministry of the Interior has revoked all existing firearm licences across Ghana, effective Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as part of a major reform of the country’s firearms regulation system.
Under the new framework, all firearm owners will be required to reapply for their licences and undergo a stricter vetting process designed to strengthen gun control measures and improve public safety.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, June 23, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, said the reforms were necessary to address shortcomings in the existing licensing regime and prevent the misuse of legally acquired weapons.
He explained that applicants seeking firearm licences under the new system will be required to undergo mandatory mental health evaluations, drug screening and structured firearms training before approval is granted.
According to the Minister, authorities have become increasingly concerned about cases in which licensed firearms have been used for purposes outside those for which they were originally authorised.
“In the last few months, we have seen an increase in some individuals committing suicide with firearms that are registered. Because of that, from this afternoon, all permits that have been granted to any individual are hereby revoked,” he stated.
Mr. Mubarak said the government would open a new registration window to allow firearm holders to re-register their weapons under the revised procedures.
“We are revoking them and opening a window where everyone will have to come forward again to re-register their guns because we have changed the procedure. We have realised that there is a short gap in the registration procedure that we have been using,” he added.
As part of efforts to tighten firearms regulation and reduce the circulation of illegal weapons, the Minister also announced plans to destroy more than 2,000 firearms that have either been voluntarily surrendered or confiscated through the national gun amnesty programme.
The revocation follows the suspension of the Private Security Organisation (PSO) operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited, following allegations that its personnel used unauthorised uniforms and unlawfully possessed and used firearms and ammunition while providing security services on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Kwabenya in Accra.
In a press release dated June 22, 2026 and signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Ministry said the decision followed preliminary investigations that indicated possible violations of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571), which govern the operations of private security firms in Ghana.
The statement described the use of unprescribed uniforms and the unauthorised possession and use of firearms, ammunition and other security accoutrements as a serious breach with significant implications for public safety and security.
As a result, the Ministry has directed Kantanka Security Services Limited to cease all operations forthwith, pending the conclusion of investigations into the matter.
All institutions have also been advised to refrain from doing business with the company until the investigations are completed and further directives are issued.
The Ministry further instructed the company to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and to provide all relevant information needed to facilitate a thorough probe.
Members of the public have been assured that the suspension is an administrative measure intended to safeguard public safety while investigations continue, with appropriate action to follow in accordance with the laws governing private security operations in the country.
The Ministry further instructed the company to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and to provide all relevant information needed to facilitate a thorough probe.
