The government has ordered the immediate suspension of all active firearm licences across Ghana as part of sweeping reforms to tighten gun control and enhance public safety.
Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced the directive during an interview on Accra-based Joy FM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, stating that all firearm licence holders will be required to undergo a fresh verification process before their licences can be renewed.
The new process will include mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening, and practical firearm handling training.
According to the Minister, the decision was prompted by growing concerns over the misuse of legally licensed firearms, including three reported suicide cases involving wealthy gun owners within the last three months.
"In the last three months, we've seen three affluent persons who have used it to commit suicide," Muntaka said.
He explained that recent events had exposed significant gaps in Ghana's current firearm licensing framework.
"We are realising that what was lacking is that we don't do mental health checks. We don't do drug tests. We also don't train people properly," he added.
Muntaka noted that although existing procedures require applicants to submit written applications and undergo background checks, they do not include compulsory psychiatric evaluations, drug testing, or practical firearm proficiency assessments.
Reflecting on his own experience as a firearm licence holder, the Minister said: "I, Muntaka, hold a gun. When I was going to register it, they didn't do any mental health check on me. They didn't check whether I'm on drugs. I've not been trained to be sure that I even know how to handle it."
Under the revised regime, all current licence holders will be required to undergo mental health evaluations conducted by the Mental Health Authority, drug tests administered by the Narcotics Control Commission, and firearms training at approved police shooting ranges before their licences can be reinstated.
Muntaka indicated that the exercise is expected to begin on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
"Immediately, we have a training shooting range at Tesano. We'll have the Narcotics Control Commission that is ready to do the drug test. And then we have the Mental Health Authority that is ready to do mental health, he said. So maybe from tomorrow, you can come back. We'll take you through the process."
The Minister added that regional police commands have been directed to establish training centres across the country to ensure the exercise is accessible to firearm holders outside Accra.
"The police are in every region. I'm activating them. In every region, at least, we should try and designate a place where the private citizen can come, and the police will train them," he stated.
He also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with private entities interested in setting up certified shooting ranges to support the nationwide programme.