The Arms Commission of Liberia has issued a stern warning to individuals in possession of illegal firearms. Speaking at an Information Ministry briefing in Monrovia on Thursday, January 15, 2025, the Vice Chairman of the Arms Commission, Vahpannah B.K. Wymor, urged former government officials and those holding unregistered or expired firearm licenses to come forth for proper registration. He emphasized that Executive Order #141 mandates the registration of all firearms; however, a significant number of individuals remain non-compliant.
Wymor said that since the order was issued, the Commission engaged former government officials whose names are in the database as carriers of guns with expired licenses; however, these individuals remain defiant, noting that the commission will use all legal means to retrieve guns from the hands of unlicensed holders.
He stated that all applicants with intent must go through a formal communication addressed to the Chairperson of the Liberia National Commission on Arms. An application form and payment slip will be issued, a process expected to end in February 2026. This implies that anyone found in possession of an unregistered firearm after said period will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Vice Chair urged all individuals with unregistered firearms to come forward and register their weapons to avoid consequences. He explained that to be eligible, one must be a legal resident of Liberia aged 18 or above, have no criminal record, and be of sound mind, not under the care of a mental institution.
He disclosed that the Commission has registered over 278 single-barrel guns in Bong County, and the process is still being carried out in other counties. However, the commission has been facing issues in getting the guns from all those refusing to come forward. In a rather aggressive tone, the Vice Chair said, “We will come for you, all those we have placed calls to, and you are acting like big shots.”
