The Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has revoked all firearm licences nationwide and ordered gun owners to reapply under a stricter licensing regime.

The directive, which took effect on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, forms part of a major overhaul of Ghana's firearms regulatory framework aimed at strengthening gun control and improving public safety.

Addressing a press briefing in Accra, Hon. Mubarak said all firearm holders would be required to undergo fresh vetting before new licences are issued. The revised process will include mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening and structured firearms training.

According to the Minister, the government identified gaps in the existing licensing system that have allowed some licensed firearms to be used for purposes beyond those originally authorised.

"In the last few months, we have seen an increase in some individuals committing suicide with firearms that are registered," he said. "From this afternoon, all permits that have been granted to any individual are hereby revoked."

He added that firearm owners would be given the opportunity to re-register their weapons under the new framework, which is designed to close loopholes in the previous licensing process.

As part of the reforms, the government will also destroy more than 2,000 firearms that were either voluntarily surrendered or seized under the national gun amnesty programme.

The announcement comes days after the Ministry suspended the operating licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited following a shooting incident at Kwabenya that left former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo injured.

The Ministry cited alleged regulatory breaches, including the use of unapproved uniforms and the possession and use of firearms and ammunition by some personnel of the company while on duty.

Government officials say the latest measures are intended to tighten oversight of firearms ownership, reduce gun-related incidents and enhance public safety across the country.