Parliament must investigate how 3.9 tonnes of cocaine left Ghana undetected – Samuel Jinapor

Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has demanded a comprehensive parliamentary investigation into crucial narcotics seizures involving Ghana. According to Mr Jinapor, the recent discovery of roughly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French authorities prompts serious questions about how such a substantial quantity managed to bypass Ghana and depart the nation undetected. This cocaine was reportedly contained within a container that had been shipped from Ghana.

Mr Jinapor expressed his call during a Facebook post on September 30, 2026, following a parliamentary emergency session on September 29, 2026. While acknowledging the importance of the issue, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, denied the Minority's motion to establish an ad hoc committee. The Speaker ruled the motion inadmissible under the Standing Orders, citing overlaps with existing court cases and investigative bodies.

Mr Jinapor emphasized that the proposed inquiry would not determine the guilt or innocence of individuals in court, but would instead focus on broader institutional and security matters. He demanded answers regarding the processing, scanning, and clearance of the containers, as well as the adequacy of Ghana's port surveillance and narcotics control systems.

Mr Jinapor posed a rhetorical question: "How did nearly four tonnes of cocaine … pass through our port and leave this country undetected?" He stressed that the public deserves clear answers about the circumstances surrounding the shipment.