Bagbin rejects Minority motion for probe into narcotics consignments linked to Ghana

The Minority in Ghana's Parliament has expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the country's security systems, warning that potential lapses could make Ghana a major hub for narcotics trafficking. This was highlighted by the Minority's spokesperson on Defence and Interior, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, ahead of an emergency parliamentary session on September 29 to discuss recent significant narcotics seizures.

The emergency session came after nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine were seized in France from a container reportedly shipped from Ghana.

Rev. Fordjour emphasized the need for full, verifiable data on narcotics seizures, arrests, and prosecutions in Ghana since January 2025. He urged the government to publish this information in real-time, drawing on primary sources, to avoid relying on foreign customs officers for insights into the country's borders. The Minority wants the parliamentary inquiry to examine institutional and systemic weaknesses, including the possible involvement or complicity of state agencies, without prejudging the cases before courts.

They also want the committee to have the power to summon witnesses, compel document production, and hold public proceedings, except where national security concerns arise.

The Minority stressed that Parliament has a constitutional duty to hold the Executive accountable, rather than allowing government agencies to conduct investigations independently. Rev. Fordjour stressed that drug trafficking and substance abuse are not partisan issues, emphasizing that traffickers do not consider political affiliations, and addiction affects individuals irrespective of their political loyalties.

He advocated for transparency, arguing that if the government is confident in its actions, there should be no fear of public scrutiny.