The Ministry of the Interior will, from December 2025, introduce a digital firearms licensing system to improve the monitoring of gun ownership and reduce illegal possession of weapons.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on Tuesday [Sept 30], that the digital platform would replace the current manual process and make renewals more efficient.
He said the new system would allow licence holders to renew their permits online and pay fees through mobile money or bank transfer. It would also send reminders three months before expiry and automatically flag individuals with criminal records, who would then be required to renew their licences in person.
“All firearm licences will be linked to the Ghana Card,” Mr Mubarak said. “This will make it easier to track holders, even if they change their address, and help recover firearms that are not renewed.”
The minister’s explanation followed concerns raised by Ms Helen Adjoa Ntoso, a member of the committee, who said a total of 606 firearms were being held illegally by civilians because the owners had not renewed their licences.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said the Police Service had built a database of all licensed gun holders and was sensitising them to renew their permits promptly. He explained that licences last one year, but many owners fail to renew until incidents occur.
Mr Mubarak said the digital system would improve monitoring of expired licences and strengthen the ability of the police to seize weapons held illegally.
Source: graphic.com.gh
