The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has expressed deep concern over the increasing influx of arms and ammunition into the country, many of which are unregistered and untraceable.

During a meeting with agencies as part of his working visit to the Northern Region on Wednesday, May 21, the minister revealed that the number of unlicensed firearms in the hands of civilians has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to national security.

According to Mohammed-Mubarak, the widespread possession of unregistered weapons has contributed to a growing trend of indiscriminate gunfire, often triggered by minor provocations — a development he described as dangerous and deeply troubling.

“Let us see you abiding by the laws of our country. It’s the only way you will be able to help. The number of arms in the hands of our citizens is getting to an alarming level. It’s giving the Peace Council, police, and other security agencies a lot of headaches. At the least provocation, you hear a gunshot. How did the people get the guns?” he asked.

The minister, who is also a Member of Parliament for the Asawase, emphasised the urgent need for a concerted national effort to ensure that all firearms currently in circulation are registered to enable proper tracking and identification.

He also advocated for the deployment of technology-based solutions coupled with collaborative efforts to strengthen security operations and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the country.

“We have to get private people to partner with the government. The government alone cannot do it. Now technology is so easy that we should be able to use technology to detect who imports and sells the guns. What can we use technology to make our country safe?