The Director of Research, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Small Arms Commission, Mr. Asante Gyebi, has warned gun owners that handing over their firearms to others is a criminal offense.
He stated that individuals who do so are liable to prosecution, especially if the weapon is used in the commission of a crime.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Gyebi explained that gun ownership requires a rigorous process, ensuring that applicants are of sound mind and have no criminal record.
Clarifying whether private security guards can operate with firearms, he emphasized that private security companies and their guards are strictly prohibited from using guns in their operations.
Consequently, licensed individuals cannot hand over their weapons to private security personnel under any circumstances.
To address observed gaps in the gun application process, Mr. Gyebi indicated that new reforms have made mental health examinations and drug testing compulsory.
The Mental Health Authority will collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior to implement these measures.
From now until September, current gun owners are required to present their firearms and licenses to the police, undergo re-registration, and complete both mental health and drug screenings.
Additionally, new applicants will receive formal training on firearm use.
Mr. Gyebi stated that, “If you go through all these processes and you are cleared, your license would be handed over to you. This is to ensure the safety and security of gun owners and others.” He added that those who do not qualify will be provided with reasons and offered counseling.
He strongly reiterated that gun owners cannot transfer their weapons to unlicensed individuals.
“When you are licensed to carry guns, you are not allowed to transfer these guns to others. It is a criminal offence. It can best be compared to a situation where a parent with a driver’s license hands it over to his child to use it to drive. It is not possible. If my child wants to drive, he or she would have to go through the process and apply for it. We have observed that some people with licensed guns transfer them to others to use. It is illegal and when a crime is committed, you and that individual would be prosecuted,” he warned.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana