The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) has officially launched its civilian firearms registration program.
The exercise aligned with Executive Order #141, which President Joseph Nyuma Boakai signed on February 24, 2025.
Executive Order #141 aims to address a gap by providing a structured path for responsible gun ownership.
Thursday’s move aims to tighten control over civilian firearms in the country, marking a critical step in the country’s broader efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen arms regulation.
LiNCA Chairman James M. Fromayan, expressed gratitude to Pres. Boakai for entrusting the Commission with this significant responsibility.
Fromayan made the disclosure on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Ministry of Information regular press conference.
Established in 2012 as the Small Arms Commission, LiNCA, was created to align with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
This treaty aims to curb the illicit flow of small arms that have fueled conflicts across West Africa, including Liberia’s devastating 14 long years civil war.
The country’s commitment to global arms control extends to its ratification of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty.
Both domesticated into national law through the Arms Commission Act and the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act, first enacted in 2015, and comprehensively amended in 2022.
Fromayan highlighted significant strides in managing state-owned firearms, including: Digital Marking and Tracking; implementing digital identification systems to improve weapon traceability.
He said the amnesty period, expiring in February 2026, allows individuals to legalize their firearms without facing prosecution.
Clear Licensing Guidelines, strict licensing protocols to ensure firearms in civilian possession are properly tracked and regulated.
Severe penalties for non-compliance, after the amnesty period, unauthorized firearm possession will be classified as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The registration process, coordinated by a technical committee of security experts, involves several critical steps that include: formal application, submission of a intent letter to LiNCA.
Background Checks, Comprehensive vetting by the Liberia National Police, and National Security Agency.
Firearms Training, mandatory firearms training and competence assessment.
Site Inspections, final site inspections to confirm secure storage practices.
Eligibility criteria include being a Liberian citizen or legal resident over 18, without a criminal record, and free from mental illness or substance dependency.
Mr. Fromayan meanwhile, called on the public to support the initiative, “because its success hinges on collective commitment to public safety and the rule of law.”
“The successful implementation of Executive Order #141 depends not just on the work of the Commission, but also on your commitment to public safety and the rule of law,” he stated.