Accra: The Ministry of the Interior has issued a stern warning to Private Security Organisations, emphasizing that the possession or use of firearms by these entities is a breach of existing laws. Mr. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior, highlighted that Regulation 13 of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1571), explicitly forbids private security companies and their personnel from possessing or utilizing firearms and ammunition.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a press conference held in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak addressed the implications following the 2025/2026 Gun Amnesty Programme and the future strategy. He advised private security firm operators to strictly adhere to the law or face potential sanctions. He pointed out that some individuals exploit personal firearm licenses to unlawfully arm private security operations, stating, "People register private security organisations and then use firearms licensed for personal protection to operate the organisation."
The Minister expressed concerns that the misuse of personal firearm licenses to run private security firms undermines the country's firearm control regime and poses a threat to public safety. He assured that the government plans to intensify enforcement against violators, emphasizing, "We will adhere to the law and enforce it very soon."
Additionally, Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak called on licensed arms dealers to ensure their operations are lawful and warned against firearm smuggling or illegal arms trading, which would attract decisive action. The government remains committed to strengthening national arms control measures to prevent firearms from falling into unauthorized hands or groups.
The Minister urged private security operators to collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to maintain law and order while fully complying with existing regulations. The National Gun Amnesty Programme, launched by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the Ghana Police Service, and other stakeholders, aimed to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms and gun-related violence. The programme, which ran from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026, provided individuals the opportunity to surrender or regularize unlicensed firearms without the risk of arrest or prosecution.