Jatikay Center Calls for Suspension of Civilian Firearm License Revocation Pending disruption

The Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peace Building, under the theme "Preventing Conflict, Protecting Humanity, Building Peace," has called for a more measured approach to the government's decision to revoke civilian firearm licenses in Ghana.

‎Speaking at a press  conference today on "Revocation of Civilian Firearm Licenses in Ghana: Implications, Challenges and the Way Forward," Executive Director Adib Saani said the organization supports the Interior Minister's efforts to strengthen firearm regulation and curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

‎However, he argued that the immediate revocation of all existing firearm licenses is premature because the institutions responsible for implementing the new licensing requirements are not adequately prepared.

‎According to him, while measures such as firearms proficiency tests, mental health assessments, and drug screening are necessary, there are concerns about whether existing facilities, including police shooting ranges, have the capacity to process the large number of licensed firearm holders across the country.

‎Mr. Saani further noted that Ghana's current arms legislation, enacted in 1972, is outdated and does not address emerging security threats such as artificial intelligence and drone technology. He therefore called for the passage of a new Arms Bill before introducing a new firearm licensing regime.

‎He also urged the government to decentralize the licensing process by establishing regional centers to make compliance easier for firearm owners outside Accra.

‎The Jatikay Center is appealing to the Interior Minister to suspend the revocation of existing licenses, engage civil society organizations and other stakeholders, and develop a clear operational framework to ensure the reforms are implemented efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary disruption.

Sompaonline.com/Bismarck Oppong