Private legal practitioner lawyer Kofi Bekai has said the licencing of a gun does not warrant persons to brandish them in public.
He said the law requires that No person shall, except per the terms of a permit granted under the law or with the written consent of the Inspector-General of Police, publicly display any arms or ammunition (including explosives) or discharge any firearm or other weapon in any public place.
He said persons can only do so if per their licence, they have been granted permission to brandish their guns in public.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, the lawyer explained that persons who wish to brandish guns in public must do so with express permission from the appropriate authorities.
Lawyer Bekai said the Police must deal ruthlessly with people with brandish guns in public.
”There is no way for people with licensed guns to brandish them in public without express permission. If you do that, you violate the law and must be punished severely, ”he added.
He said people who brandish guns, must have their guns seized, and punished, adding, the brandishing of guns must be in the public interest.
On how to acquire licensed arms, the lawyer explained that any individual who is eighteen (18) years and above, mentally sound, physically fit and of good character can apply for a firearm for use either to protect himself/herself or for gaming (i.e) hunting.
An individual who wishes to apply for a personal firearm must first report to the police, precisely the Firearm office to be taken through the process as stated in Section 1, subsection (1) of the Arms and Ammunition Act 2001, Act 604.
Firearms are to be used exclusively by the individual in whose name it is licensed and registered.
It must be used for the purpose assigned for its acquisition. A firearm once licensed in the name of a person is not transferable.
Section 19 of the law stipulates that ”a person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof lies on him) he has with him in a public place any firearm (whether loaded or not)”.
Section 5 (1) also stipulates that A person commits an offence if he discharges or causes the discharge of any shot, bullet or other missile from a firearm.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
