The Acting Director in Charge of Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Gyebi Asante, has stated that the newly introduced fees and charges for firearm licence renewals are not as “extreme” as critics suggest.
Mr Asante argued that the initial cost of purchasing a firearm, regardless of the type, is an investment.
Therefore, any “serious-minded” individual who chooses to own a gun should be prepared to find the necessary funds to maintain its legal status.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he encouraged licensed gun owners to prioritise their renewals regardless of the cost involved.
The Ministry of the Interior is currently transitioning from manual processes to a digital system, which will facilitate online renewals and payments via mobile money or bank transfers.
Despite public pushback labelling the charges as excessive, Mr Asante maintained that the adjustment is necessary and legally sanctioned.
“Guns are expensive, and so any serious-minded person who owns a gun must be prepared to pay for the renewal of ownership. It is important we encourage people to be responsible and renew their licenses. Relative to the cost of the firearm, are the fees and charges truly expensive, or should we be complaining? The amount was approved, and Ghanaians must support it.”
Mr Asante ended with a warning regarding the legal ramifications of carrying an expired licence.
Failing to renew your licence is a criminal offence and can lead to you being arrested, prosecuted, incarcerated, or fined, or you could face both a fine and a jail term. It is better to comply than to allow yourself to be dragged to court and prosecuted.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
