Ghana's Interior Minister suspends all active gun licenses nationwide amid security review
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Ghana's Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Muntaka Mubarak, announced the immediate suspension of all active gun licenses, effective June 23, 2026, at 12 noon. This decision was made due to increasing public safety concerns and identified deficiencies in the current firearms licensing system. The Minister highlighted a new trend where affluent individuals are using registered guns to commit suicide, pointing out the lack of mental health assessments, drug tests, and training in the existing process. Under proposed reforms, firearm licensing will resume with stricter conditions, requiring applicants to undergo mental health assessments by the Mental Health Authority, drug screening by the Narcotics Control Commission, and mandatory firearms handling training at approved facilities. All current licenses will be deactivated, and a new application window will open for eligible gun owners who meet the revised requirements. This overhaul aims to enhance national security, promote responsible gun ownership, and prevent firearm misuse.
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The Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has denied allegations made by Charles Bissue, former Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining Secretary, that it is delaying his corruption trial. Bissue had suggested the OSP was unwilling to continue prosecution. Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the OSP, stated on June 23, 2026, that these claims are inaccurate. Darko clarified that the OSP did not seek to discontinue the case but requested a temporary suspension of proceedings due to ongoing legal issues concerning its prosecutorial authority, aiming to avoid complications while awaiting clarity from the Supreme Court. He dismissed the idea that this indicated fear of trial. The OSP also addressed claims that striking out parts of a witness statement influenced the suspension, explaining that only paragraphs related to a former co-accused were affected, not the entire case against Bissue. The OSP highlighted that a co-accused, Thomas Andy Owusu, has already been convicted in connection with the same case. Darko affirmed the OSP's commitment to proceeding with the case within legal limits, noting that the trial court has already ruled in their favor on earlier legal challenges. The OSP also rejected Bissue's repeated conflict-of-interest allegations against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, stating these claims lack judicial backing and that previous legal representation does not automatically create a conflict.
A group of NPP Electoral Area Coordinators in the Greater Accra Region has petitioned the party's National Executive Committee NEC to sanction former flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong. The petition addresses what they describe as "concerning conduct" against the party, specifically Agyapong's criticisms regarding the Afari Hospital project and his alleged threats to expose the party and some members in a radio interview. The coordinators argue that Agyapong's statements could damage the party's image if unsubstantiated and urged him to provide evidence for his claims. They expressed concern over his public commentary directed at party leaders and institutions, particularly reports of him threatening to disclose confidential information. The petitioners called on the NEC to direct Agyapong to submit any evidence of wrongdoing to appropriate party organs for investigation, emphasizing that such a process would strengthen public confidence in the party's commitment to accountability and transparency. They also requested the party to take measures to preserve unity, discipline, and cohesion, including assessing whether Agyapong's conduct aligns with party principles and strengthening guidance on public communications for senior members.
Must ReadSarah Adwoa Safo, former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, is scheduled to travel abroad for specialized medical treatment following a reported shooting incident. Her aide, Dr Emmanuel Y Boakye, stated in an interview on Akoma 87.9 FM that Ms. Safo has undergone two surgeries and requires further treatment overseas to prevent additional damage to her face. The incident reportedly occurred on June 21, 2026, during a violent altercation at the residence of her younger brother, Kwadwo Safo Jnr, where multiple gunshots were allegedly fired at a vehicle associated with the former MP. A video circulating on social media reportedly depicts her being rushed into an ambulance after the attack. The Ghana Police Service has arrested Kwadwo Safo Jnr, along with Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, in connection with the shooting.