Ghana Minority Caucus Challenges Speaker's Block on Drug Probe

The Minority Caucus of Ghana's Parliament has filed a motion to review a ruling by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin that blocked a proposed parliamentary inquiry into drug trafficking. Speaker Bagbin had previously ruled on September 29, 2026, that the inquiry was inadmissible to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings involving approximately 21 individuals.

First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu filed the motion under Standing Order 127, arguing that parliamentary oversight of institutional and regulatory weaknesses is a separate constitutional function from criminal prosecution. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated the probe is necessary following several major narcotics seizures, including 3.9 tonnes of cocaine valued at €225 million intercepted in France on September 7, 2026, which originated from Ghana. Other seizures were reported in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Sydney, and at Ghana's Pedu Junction and Tema Harbour enclave.

The Minority contends that the government must account for failures in port security, customs controls, and intelligence coordination regardless of ongoing individual criminal trials. Afenyo-Markin argued that while criminal courts determine individual guilt, Parliament must examine whether public institutions discharged their responsibilities and if regulatory failures require corrective action.