-LINCA Urges Citizens
Vice Chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Arms, (LiNCA), Vokpanah B. K. Wymon, has urged civilians in possession of unregistered firearms to come forward and register their weapons in accordance with Liberian law.
Atty. Wymon made the statement during the regular press briefing held at the Ministry of Information, where he provided an update on the work of the Commission and the implementation of Executive Order No. 162.
Wymon said Executive Order No. 162, issued on April 6, 2026, extends Executive Order No. 141, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on February 24, 2025. The extension provides additional time for the registration and licensing of firearms in the possession of civilians across Liberia.
He stressed that civilians who possess firearms for personal protection are also required to have those firearms properly registered and licensed.
“We are being very clear about the message we are bringing to the country. If you are in possession of an unregistered firearm, come forward, register it, and comply with the law,” Atty. Wymon said.
He explained that LiNCA is the government institution mandated to regulate arms, including registration and licensing of firearms in civilian possession, while the Liberia National Police and other government institutions also have important responsibilities concerning public safety, security, and enforcement.
Atty. Wymon noted that the Liberia National Commission on Arms, formerly known as the Small Arms Commission, was established in 2012 in line with the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The Commission is mandated to prevent the proliferation and trafficking of firearms and ammunition and promote their responsible management.
He said Liberia's history of years of conflict demonstrates the need for responsible firearms management, noting that improperly controlled firearms poses serious risks to public safety and national security.
The LINCA Vice Chairman further disclosed that following the issuance of Executive Order No. 141 in 2025, the Commission began registering firearms in the possession of civilians.
Wymon also said the initiative was intended to establish a reliable national database showing the firearms in civilian possession, who possesses them, and whether they are being kept and used legally and responsibly.
According to Atty. Wymon, more than 100 applications were received during the one-year period covered by Executive Order No. 141.
Applicants underwent the required registration and licensing processes, while those who qualified were referred to the Liberia National Police Academy for firearms competency training.
He added that more than 100 qualified applicants have completed the required training conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities and have received certificates of competency.
Atty. Wymon encouraged civilians, who still possess unregistered firearms to take advantage of the extension provided under Executive Order No. 162.
He warned that the opportunity to regularize the possession of unregistered firearms is time-bound and urged citizens not to wait until the deadline.
He further called on firearm owners with questions or concerns to visit the Commission's headquarters, where trained specialists are available to provide information about the registration and licensing process.
The Vice Chairman emphasized that proper registration would improve accountability, provide accurate information for national security institutions, and contribute to better firearms management across Liberia.
He concluded by urging civilians in possession of firearms to take responsibility and ensure that their weapons are legally registered and licensed.
