A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, Hamza Suhuyini, has urged government to adopt a digital-first approach in the upcoming nationwide firearm re-registration exercise, saying an online system would improve participation and strengthen regulatory compliance.
His suggestion comes in the wake of the Ministry of the Interior’s directive revoking all existing firearm licences with effect from June 23, 2026, as part of a broader reform requiring all gun owners to reapply under a tightened licensing framework.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, June 24, Suhuyini argued that a fully physical registration process could discourage compliance, especially among individuals who have previously gone through licensing procedures.
He recommended that the Ghana Police Service utilise its existing firearm database to identify registered gun owners and reach out to them directly, rather than starting the process entirely afresh.
According to him, leveraging digital tools would reduce administrative burden and make it easier for firearm holders to comply with the new requirements.
He further explained that an online platform could allow applicants to initiate the process remotely by uploading key details such as firearm serial numbers, identification documents and supporting photographs for verification.
Suhuyini maintained that simplifying the process would be critical to the success of the policy, given what he described as public reluctance toward repeated bureaucratic procedures.
“My appeal to the Minister for the Interior is to make the process simple, friendly and easy to go through,” he said.
The proposal follows Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak’s announcement of a sweeping review of Ghana’s firearms licensing system, aimed at addressing gaps in enforcement and reducing the risks associated with improper use of legally owned firearms.
