Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has emphasised that owning a firearm in Ghana is not a constitutional right but a privilege that can be withdrawn at any time for the safety of the public.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Terlabi stressed the need for strict regulation of gun ownership as the government intensifies its Gun Amnesty Programme.
“Having a gun is not a right but a privilege. So we can take it any time, especially when we realise it can cause trouble,” he said.
He explained that before anyone is licensed to possess a firearm, they must undergo thorough assessment, training, and screening.
“Before we give you the gun, we must know and assess whether you can use it. You will be trained. We must make sure you don’t have any psychological problem that will cause you to misuse the firearm. Else we will not give it to you,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister advised citizens facing threats to report to the police for protection rather than arming themselves.
“If you know robbers will disturb you, report to the police and you will be given protection. It is the responsibility of government through the Ministry of Interior to ensure the safety of citizens,” he noted.
He warned that allowing unfit individuals to keep firearms could lead to tragic consequences.
“So if someone has a gun and doesn’t know how to handle it or has a mental problem, he or she can shoot many people. So taking this privilege in the name of the safety of everyone is paramount,” he added.
Mr. Terlabi disclosed that under the amnesty programme, about 4,000 weapons have been surrendered. The government plans to destroy 2,000 of them soon, while the rest will undergo background checks, training, and registration.
“If we detect that you are not fit to use it, we will burn it,” he said.
He concluded by reminding Ghanaians that firearms are not ordinary commodities.
“Firearms shouldn’t be like groundnut everyone buys from the market. The law doesn’t permit that.”
The Deputy Minister’s comments come as the government continues its push to reduce illegal firearms and ensure only responsible individuals are allowed to possess them.
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