Minority Files Motion to Challenge Bagbin’s Ruling on Proposed Cocaine Probe

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has filed an application seeking a review of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to reject its proposed parliamentary inquiry into major drug trafficking incidents and cocaine seizures linked to Ghana.

The application, filed through the First Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, invokes Standing Order 127 of Parliament’s Standing Orders and challenges a ruling delivered by the Speaker on September 29, 2026.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced the move during a media briefing on Tuesday, November 3, as Parliament resumed sitting for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament.

The Speaker had ruled the Minority’s proposed inquiry inadmissible, citing concerns that the investigation could overlap with ongoing criminal proceedings and potentially interfere with evidence, witnesses and issues of responsibility before the courts.

The cases reportedly involve approximately 21 individuals facing prosecution in four separate narcotics-related cases.

Minority Defends Parliamentary Oversight

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the application was not intended to undermine the authority of the Speaker but to protect Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to hold public institutions accountable.

He argued that ongoing criminal cases should not prevent Parliament from examining possible weaknesses in Ghana’s port security, cargo inspection procedures, customs controls and border management systems.

“An arrest is not a conviction. Equally, a pending criminal trial does not suspend administrative accountability,” he stated.

According to the Minority Leader, criminal prosecutions and parliamentary oversight serve different purposes. While the courts determine the criminal liability of accused persons, Parliament has a responsibility to examine whether public institutions are performing their duties effectively.

He maintained that the proposed inquiry would focus on institutional performance and possible regulatory failures rather than determining the guilt or innocence of individuals facing prosecution.

Minority Raises Concerns Over International Cocaine Seizures

Mr Afenyo-Markin cited several international narcotics seizures involving consignments reportedly linked to Ghana as reasons for the proposed parliamentary investigation.

Among the incidents he mentioned was the seizure of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French authorities at the Port of Dunkirk on September 7, 2026.

The consignment, reportedly concealed in a shipment of plastic waste from Ghana, was valued at approximately €225 million.

He also referred to earlier seizures in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Sydney, as well as incidents involving passenger luggage from Accra.

The Minority Leader warned that repeated drug seizures linked to Ghana could undermine international confidence in the country’s export controls and affect legitimate businesses.

He explained that increased scrutiny of Ghanaian shipments could lead to delays, additional storage charges, disrupted deliveries and higher compliance costs for exporters.

“A legitimate exporter can lose a customer because a shipment arrives late,” he said.

He called for stronger port security arrangements, effective cargo inspections and improved intelligence coordination to prevent Ghana’s ports and borders from being exploited by international drug trafficking networks.

“Our ports must serve legitimate commerce. Our borders must command respect. Our young people deserve protection. Our country’s reputation deserves defending. The government must act,” he added.

Majority Says It Is Ready to Debate the Motion

Responding to the Minority’s move, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business James Agalga said the Majority was prepared to engage the opposition if the application successfully passed the necessary parliamentary procedures.

He challenged the Minority to proceed with its application, assuring the caucus that the Majority would not avoid a debate if the matter was admitted.

“Let the Minority cross the first hurdle in filing their motions. We will meet them squarely. Where there is merit, we will not run away from them. We shall debate them,” Mr Agalga said.

He also challenged the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to defend its record in the fight against narcotics.

“The NPP cannot win the drug debate on any day. Bring on the debate and the good people of this country would know whose track record is better,” he stated.

“My brother, Minority Leader, we are ready for you. Bring it on,” he added.

The review application now puts the question of parliamentary oversight and the protection of ongoing criminal proceedings back in focus.

The outcome will determine whether the Minority can secure a reconsideration of the Speaker’s earlier decision and move forward with its proposed inquiry into possible institutional weaknesses in Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking.

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