News:
July 8, 2026
The Interior Minister cites mental health and financial challenges as reasons for the two-year extension.
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a major extension for the renewal of registered firearm permits, pushing the deadline to December 31, 2026. The decision comes as the government acknowledges the significant economic and psychological pressures currently affecting many Ghanaians.
The Minister made the announcement while responding to questions before Parliament’s Assurance Committee, where he is providing updates on government assurances under the Ministry of the Interior. He explained that the government considered it inappropriate to add further burdens to citizens already navigating difficult circumstances.
“We are rushing out to Mondays. People are going through a lot of challenges and trauma,” the Minister told the Committee. “Based on the data we have, well over a hundred thousand people are having these challenges. It will not be fair to be adding to their struggles.”
According to the Minister, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has already begun notifying registered firearm permit holders and business operators about the extension. Those whose permits were originally due to expire on October 31 will receive official messages confirming their validity until the new deadline.
“So I think it’s yesterday we said that the CID sent messages to all the business holders, permit holders. They should keep it to December,” he stated. “Those who are already holding a license that was supposed to apply by the 31st will see the message telling them to keep it until the 31st.”
New assessment regime to be introduced
The Minister revealed that beginning after the extended deadline, all permit holders will be required to undergo a new and more rigorous assessment process before their licenses can be renewed. The new regime will include mandatory mental health screening, drug testing, and comprehensive firearms training.
“So I’m hoping that by now people should have started receiving the messages to tell them to keep it onto the 31st,” he said. “By knowing that from the 31st you will go through the new arrangement—where you will do the mental, the drug, and the training.”
For applicants currently in the process of acquiring firearm permits, the Minister encouraged them to complete the existing application procedures without disruption. “Those who are in the process we are encouraging them to go through the full process to be able to acquire,” he added. “You are already going through the process, so go through that.”
The extension provides temporary relief for thousands of firearm owners while the government prepares to implement stricter regulations aimed at ensuring responsible ownership and public safety. Permit holders are advised to await official communication from the CID regarding their individual status and the upcoming requirements.
Ghanamps.com