The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) has expressed concern over the decision by the Ministry of the Interior to suspend all active gun licences in Ghana, describing the measure as overly broad and potentially counterproductive.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Theodora Williams Anti, FOSDA acknowledged the need for urgent action in response to recent incidents of gun violence but cautioned that a blanket suspension of legally issued firearm licences could unfairly affect responsible gun owners.
According to the organisation, while rising cases of gun-related violence require decisive intervention, suspending all active licences does not address the underlying causes of illicit arms proliferation and violent crime.
FOSDA argued that the directive could create fear and uncertainty among lawful firearm holders, weaken public confidence in regulatory institutions, and potentially encourage some individuals to resort to illegal possession of firearms.
The organisation stressed that Ghana requires a targeted, evidence-based, and sustainable approach to tackling gun violence rather than broad measures that may undermine effective arms control efforts.
FOSDA noted that the annual firearm licence renewal process offers an opportunity to strengthen oversight through enhanced screening procedures, stricter accountability measures, and improved regulatory reforms.
The security advocacy group also called for an urgent review and strengthening of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, saying reforms to the law are critical to closing existing gaps in firearm regulation and combating the proliferation of illicit weapons.
FOSDA therefore urged the Minister for the Interior to reconsider the blanket suspension and instead adopt a more strategic approach that focuses on strengthening existing regulatory frameworks and addressing the root causes of gun violence.
The organisation maintained that fast-tracking reforms to the country’s arms control regime would provide a more effective and sustainable solution to improving public safety and reducing firearm-related crimes.
