The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, has sought to dispel concerns about bureaucratic delays in the police’s administrative processes, particularly regarding gun regulation, by assuring the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that firearm licence renewal is a remarkably swift procedure.
Appearing before the committee alongside the heads of other services as well as the Minister for the Interior, the IGP responded to queries raised by the PAC Chair, Mrs. Abena Osei Asare, concerning the efficiency and management of processes within the service.
IGP Yohunu began by clarifying the initial process for legal firearm possession in Ghana, explaining that registration is mandatory and centrally managed through the Firearms Registry.
“Yes, to register a gun means that you have to be given the license or the permit to possess a gun through this firearms registry,” the IGP stated.
Crucially, the IGP confirmed that firearm possession permits are not indefinite.
They are issued for a specific period, requiring citizens to proactively engage with the Police Service to maintain legality.
“So you have it for a period of one year. And so after a year, you have to go back and then renew your license,” he added.
Efficiency Guaranteed: Renewal in Under 30 Minutes
The core focus of the IGP’s assurance was the speed and ease of the renewal process, aiming to underscore the Police Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery.
He designated the firearm licence renewal as one of the fastest administrative tasks performed by the Service.
“One of the easiest licenses or renewals to process is the possession of this in the renewal of your gun license,” IGP Yohunu stressed.
He provided a clear and specific timeline for the process: “It doesn’t take you more than 30 minutes to go to this office, the firearms office and immediately they check all the records and then the licence is renewed.”
The IGP reiterated this claim for emphasis, countering any perception of lengthy bureaucratic hurdles.
“That one doesn’t take time at all. It’s one of the easiest way to process and then renew your license or your permit to possess firearms.”
The response was intended to assure the Public Accounts Committee, which scrutinizes the use of public funds and the efficiency of public sector operations, that the police administration is managing gun control with a streamlined process that minimizes inconvenience to compliant citizens while maintaining strict record-keeping standards.
The Firearms Registry is tasked with maintaining accurate data to ensure only legally registered firearms are active in the country, a key component of national security and crime prevention efforts.
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