Speaker Bagbin rejects Minority’s motion for a bipartisan probe into narcotic seizures

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has dismissed a motion requesting a parliamentary inquiry into recent significant narcotics seizures associated with Ghana, deeming the proposal inadmissible. This decision was made during the House's emergency session on September 29, 2026. The Speaker evaluated the motion, its terms of reference, ongoing investigations, pending court cases, and Parliament's constitutional oversight role.

According to Bagbin, the proposed inquiry overlaps with matters already under judicial examination. Allowing the inquiry could require Parliament to investigate processing, clearance, and export of the consignments, as well as the conduct of individuals and institutions involved, which are already part of ongoing criminal proceedings.

The Speaker expressed concerns that such an inquiry might determine issues better left to courts. He also noted that the motion, despite members exercising their constitutional right to request a parliamentary meeting, may still be deemed inappropriate due to Parliament's duty to maintain member rights and uphold the judicial process.

The motion, which aimed to establish an ad hoc committee for a bipartisan inquiry into the high-profile narcotics seizures involving consignments linked to Ghana, did not meet the Standing Orders governing parliamentary business. Consequently, the motion has been ruled inadmissible.