The Ranking Member on the Defence Committee and Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma, Honourable Kofi Amankwa-Manu has supported stricter firearm safety regulations while challenging the decision to suspend all valid gun licences in the country.
Honourable Amankwa-Manu added that training, testing and strict safety checks are essential in firearm ownership. He emphasised that licence issuance alone does not permit misuse of weapons and responsible handling must always guide possession.
He explained that firearm regulation should prioritise continuous education on usage, safety measures and medical screening, including drug testing. He reinforced that responsible ownership requires sustained compliance rather than a one time approval process.
Addressing the Interior Minister’s directive, the Ranking Member described the blanket suspension of licences as an ad hoc response that does not fully resolve underlying challenges. He suggested that isolated incidents should not shape nationwide restrictions affecting lawful gun owners.
“People must go through training, people must be checked. The issuance of a licence does not mean you can do whatever you want. Handling must come with responsibility.”
Honourable Kofi Amankwa-Manu
Meanwhile, he argued that linking the policy shift to individual criminal cases might undermine fairness in regulation. He noted that many licenced holders have consistently followed legal procedures and should not be subjected to abrupt interruptions.
The Ranking Member reiterated that annual renewal processes already provide an opportunity for assessment and compliance checks. He indicated that strengthening that system would produce better results than halting licences entirely.
Furthermore, he questioned whether existing institutions tasked with training and certification possess the capacity to handle large volumes within a short timeframe. He warned that inadequate preparation could create operational delays and pressure on applicants.
He pointed out that thousands of licensed gun owners may be affected, making administrative readiness a critical factor in policy execution. In addition, he urged that reforms be structured in a way that avoids disrupting lawful citizens who have complied with regulations.
Structured Renewal System Proposed To Replace Blanket Suspension
The Ranking Member on the Defence Committee proposed a structured alternative to the suspension of firearm licences, outlining a phased renewal system that would link compliance to certification rather than immediate cancellation of permits.
He explained that under the proposed model, licence holders would be given a defined period leading up to renewal cycles to complete mandatory training and testing. He indicated that failure to meet these requirements would automatically prevent re issuance of licences.
Honourable Amankwa-Manu suggested that such an approach would reduce pressure on applicants while allowing institutions to plan and manage training schedules efficiently. He stressed that predictable timelines would encourage voluntary compliance.
“By January, if you are renewing your licence, there should be training and tests to undergo. If you do not comply, your licence will not be re-issued.”
Honourable Kofi Amankwa-Manu
Furthermore, he highlighted that extended preparation periods would reduce congestion and prevent administrative bottlenecks. He explained that sudden enforcement measures often lead to overcrowding and inefficiencies within regulatory systems.
He also addressed fears that verification processes could become overly bureaucratic, acknowledging that system design determines accessibility. He suggested that efficiency should be prioritised to ensure applicants can complete requirements without unnecessary delays.
Additionally, he proposed that reforms be communicated early to allow citizens sufficient time to meet conditions before renewal deadlines. He noted that predictable governance strengthens compliance and reduces resistance to policy changes.
Bringing into focus the importance of balancing enforcement with fairness, he stressed that lawful firearm owners should not face disruption due to isolated incidents involving others. He added that policy credibility depends on consistency in application.
He urged authorities to invest in institutional capacity, particularly training centres and certification bodies, to ensure readiness for nationwide implementation. He warned that inadequate infrastructure could undermine the effectiveness of reforms.
“A clear system with adequate time ensures compliance. People will follow the rules if the process is fair and workable.”
Honourable Kofi Amankwa-Manu
On this note, he reinforced that structured regulation is the most sustainable approach to firearm control. The Ranking Member encouraged collaboration between policymakers and security agencies to refine the proposal into a practical framework.
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