The Acting Director in charge of Planning, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Small Arms Commission, Mr Asante Gyebi, has asserted that possessing a gun is not suitable for every individual.
He stated that individuals seeking to own guns undergo thorough procedures before their applications are approved by the relevant authorities.
He made this known during an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, while providing an update on the Gun Amnesty initiative launched by the administration, which allows individuals who possess guns without lawful authority to surrender them without being arrested and prosecuted.
He noted that persons with criminal records are ineligible to own or acquire guns.
According to him, gun ownership is not a right but a privilege that entails responsibilities for those granted a licence to own firearms.
“The law requires that before you’re granted the opportunity, you should be 18 years and above. You should also be of sound mind because you can imagine the chaos that would ensue should persons mentally unstable possess guns. Those who apply for a gun licence should also be physically fit. You’re also required to provide justifiable reasons why you need a gun. You will then be taken through a rigorous process before your request is approved.
Additionally, you should be able to provide proof of a secured place where the gun you seek to acquire would be kept. Nobody else should have access to your licensed weapon because if the gun is used in committing a crime, you, the gun owner, would be liable for it. So, these are the criteria or qualifications laid out by the law for anyone interested in applying for a licence or authorisation to own a gun.
He added, “We cannot have just anyone owning a gun. You therefore have to examine yourself before you apply for it. You should also have a clean record because you cannot be allowed to own guns if you have a criminal record.”
Meanwhile, he has advised the Ghanaian public not to always seek to apply for a licence for guns when it is not something crucial or critical.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
