The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a stern warning about the rising influx of unregistered and untraceable weapons in Ghana, describing the situation as a growing threat to national security.
Speaking during a working visit to the Northern Region on Wednesday, May 21, the minister disclosed that the number of illegally owned firearms in civilian hands has reached alarming levels, contributing to a dangerous culture of indiscriminate gun use, even during minor disputes.
“The number of arms in the hands of our citizens is getting to an alarming level. It’s giving the Peace Council, police, and other security agencies a lot of headaches,” he stated. “At the least provocation, you hear a gunshot. How did these people get the guns?”
The minister, who also serves as MP for Asawase, stressed the need for a nationwide initiative to ensure that all firearms in circulation are properly registered to facilitate tracking and accountability.
He further called for technology-driven solutions and public-private partnerships to enhance security surveillance and disrupt the illegal arms trade.
“The government cannot do this alone. We need to bring in private sector support. With today’s technological tools, we should be able to identify who is importing and distributing these weapons,” he said. “Let’s use technology to make our country safe.”
The Minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns from security agencies and civil society groups about the impact of illegal arms on peace, law enforcement, and community safety across the country.
