The Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee and Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has supported the government’s decision to revoke all existing firearm licences nationwide, describing the move as a necessary step towards promoting responsible gun ownership and enhancing public safety.
His comments follow the Ministry of the Interior’s announcement that all firearm licenses across the country have been revoked, effective Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as part of a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s firearms regulatory framework.
Under the new regime, all firearm holders will be required to reapply for their licenses and undergo a more stringent vetting process, including mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening, and structured firearms training, before licenses are granted.
Speaking to Citi News, the Wa West MP noted that the global proliferation of illicit weapons remains a major security concern and cautioned that Ghana is not immune to the challenge.
“There are billions of illicit weapons circulating globally, and Ghana is not an exception. The issue of gun ownership is all about responsible gun ownership. There are legal ways to own guns, but when people own guns legally, and their actions suggest that they are becoming irresponsible, then we need to look at the law again,” he said.
According to the former police officer, while the law provides legitimate avenues for acquiring firearms, authorities must continuously assess whether licensed gun owners are using their weapons responsibly.
He stressed that irresponsible gun ownership poses a serious threat not only to individuals but also to entire communities and national security.
“For me, I am happy that the Minister has gone straight away to revoke all licences. People need to reapply, and we need to assess them mentally. We need to know whether they are fit enough to hold a gun.
“When you carry a gun and you are not responsible, you become a threat to society. A firearm may be acquired for personal security, but your personal security should contribute to community security, not undermine it,” he explained.
The Wa West legislator further argued that where the possession of firearms begins to endanger public peace and security, authorities have a duty to intervene and review existing regulations.
“If the ownership of a gun is gradually threatening the peace and security of a community, and indeed the nation at large, then we must take another look at the situation,” he said.
