By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, June 25, GNA – The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) has expressed deep concern over the recent decision of the Minister for the Interior to suspend all active gun licenses in Ghana.
A statement issued by Madam Theodora Williams Anti, the Executive Director of FOSDA, said while the recent incidents of gun violence were alarming and demand urgent and decisive action, suspending all legally held firearm licenses was a sweeping measure that risks penalising responsible gun owners without addressing the deeper drivers of illicit arms proliferation and gun-related violence.
“FOSDA cautions that such an approach may unintentionally create fear and uncertainty among legitimate firearm holders, weaken public cooperation, and potentially push some individuals towards illegal possession — further escalating the very challenge it seeks to address,” the statement said.
It added, “Ghana requires a targeted, evidence-based and sustainable response to gun violence — not broad measures that may undermine trust and effective arms control efforts.”
The statement said the annual firearm license renewal process provides a critical opportunity to introduce stronger screening mechanisms, accountability measures and regulatory reforms.
It added that more importantly, the urgent review and strengthening of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act remains essential to closing existing gaps and establishing a stronger framework for preventing illicit arms proliferation and reducing gun violence.
The FOSDA, therefore, is calling on the Minister for the Interior to reconsider the blanket suspension and adopt a more strategic approach, including fast-tracking the review of the arms commission law, to effectively address gun violence and protect public safety.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah