Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has urged gun owners nationwide to renew their firearm licences as part of efforts to strengthen the regulation of gun ownership and usage.

He made the call during the Ministry of Defence’s appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on Tuesday, September 30, where national security and regulatory compliance issues were under discussion.

According to the IGP, the Police Service has begun a nationwide sensitisation exercise to encourage timely renewals and ensure all firearms are properly registered.

“What we are doing now is sensitising people who are in possession of guns; they have a licence, but when it expires, they do not renew it as expected. So this exercise is ongoing now—we are getting the list of all, so that whenever the time comes, the police will call you to renew their licence,” he explained.

He further noted that the renewal process is quick and convenient. “One of the easiest licence renewals is that it doesn’t take you more than 30 minutes to go to these firearms offices and immediately check your records, and the licence is renewed; it doesn’t take time at all.”

The IGP emphasised that the initiative is part of broader measures to tighten control over firearms and promote responsible ownership.

He urged all gun owners to take advantage of the sensitisation programme to regularise their documentation, stressing that proper registration is essential for public safety and upholding the rule of law.

The call follows concerns raised in the Auditor-General’s report about the proliferation of unlicensed firearms and their potential use in criminal activities.