Amankwa-Manu backs new firearm licensing reforms but questions license withdrawal

Ghana’s Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has endorsed the Interior Ministry’s new firearm licensing reforms while questioning the approach of withdrawing existing licenses as part of implementation.

The reforms, announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, mandate mental health evaluations, drug screenings, and structured firearms training for all gun license applicants and holders. Amankwa-Manu welcomed these measures as necessary steps toward responsible gun ownership and enhanced public safety, noting that many licensed gun owners currently lack adequate training and awareness of their responsibilities.

However, the MP expressed reservations about the government’s decision to revoke all existing firearm licenses as part of the rollout. He argued that integrating the new requirements into the annual license renewal process would be more effective and less disruptive than the current blanket withdrawal approach.

“I am all in support of the training, but where licenses will have to be withdrawn and then you go through training, for me that is where I have a little problem,” Amankwa-Manu stated. “Every year, anyone who bears a gun is supposed to go and register. If you do not register, you are not allowed to bear the gun. At the point of registration, you need to prove that you’ve gone through the training, the mental checks and all that. Without going through those processes, you should not be issued with a renewed licence.”

His comments reference the recent Kwabenya shooting incident that intensified public focus on gun regulation, while noting that the reforms represent a reactive measure prompted by that tragedy. Amankwa-Manu advocated for a balanced implementation strategy that maintains public safety objectives while respecting the rights of law-abiding firearm owners.

The Interior Ministry’s directive affects all gun license applicants and holders nationwide, requiring comprehensive screening and training before licenses can be issued or renewed. Supporters argue these measures will prevent firearms from falling into unauthorized hands and ensure owners understand the significant responsibilities that accompany gun possession.

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