'We will come after you': Muntaka Mubarak warns private security firms over gun use

Ghana's Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, has warned that private security companies found using firearms will face sanctions, as the government moves to tighten enforcement of weapons regulations amid growing concerns over public safety.

The minister said private security firms are not licensed to carry firearms under Ghanaian law and accused some operators of exploiting loopholes by using weapons registered in the names of individual employees or owners.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Tuesday, Mr Mubarak said authorities would intensify enforcement efforts against companies that violate the rules.

"I want to take this opportunity to let all private security organisations in the country know that we do not license anybody to hold firearms," he said.

He warned that individuals who obtain firearm licences in a personal capacity and subsequently deploy those weapons for private security operations would be considered to be acting unlawfully.

"Because you are private security and you go behind and register a gun individually in your name that you are going to use it for protection, and you ended up using it in your private security organisation, you are infringing on the law. I will definitely be coming after you," he said.

According to the minister, the government has identified what it believes to be a widespread practice in which firearms licensed to private individuals are being used by security companies without proper authorisation.

"It was meant for you as a private person, not for the private organisation, so you don't use it in the private security organisation as though it is licensed with that private security company, and I think that is what many are doing," he added.

The renewed enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of the private security industry and improve compliance with existing regulations.

Mr Mubarak said the ministry would also enforce standards relating to uniforms and other operational requirements to promote professionalism and accountability across the sector.

The announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of firearm ownership and use following a recent shooting incident linked to a family succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission in Accra.

Authorities say the latest measures are intended to close regulatory gaps, improve monitoring of weapons and restore public confidence in the management of private security operations.

The warning follows the government's wider efforts to review Ghana's firearms control system,

including recent moves to tighten oversight of licensed weapons holders.