FOSDA is deeply concerned by the recent decision of the Honourable Minister of the Interior to suspend all active gun licences in Ghana.

While the recent incidents of gun violence are alarming and demand urgent and decisive action, suspending all legally held firearm licenses is a sweeping measure that risks penalizing 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.

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 annual firearm licence renewal process provides a critical opportunity to introduce stronger screening mechanisms, accountability measures and regulatory reforms.

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.

FOSDA therefore calls on the Honourable 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.