News:
Minority Leader Afenyo
November 3, 2026
The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion seeking a review of a ruling by the Speaker of Parliament, insisting that the House must scrutinize recent major narcotic seizures and the institutional, regulatory and security failures that may have facilitated them.
Addressing the media at a briefing, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin disclosed that the motion was filed through the First Deputy Whip, Honourable Habib Idrisu of Tolon. He stressed that the Minority does not seek to undermine the authority of the Chair, but argued that respect for the Speaker’s office does not require silence when a ruling raises serious questions about Parliament’s constitutional powers and the ability of elected representatives to demand accountability from public institutions.
The Minority Leader recounted a series of major cocaine seizures linked to Ghana, including the interception of approximately 3.9 tons of cocaine by French authorities at the port of Le Havre in a consignment of plastic waste reportedly shipped from Ghana, valued at about 225 million euros. He also cited seizures in Amsterdam, Australia, Lebanon and within Ghana, including suspected cocaine intercepted in Tamahaba, Encreve and Pedro Junction, describing the recurrence as a serious indictment of port security, cargo inspection, customs controls and intelligence coordination.
He warned that the implications extend beyond individual seizures to the integrity of national security arrangements, the credibility of Ghana’s international trade systems and the country’s reputation in the global fight against narcotic trafficking. He added that illicit drugs finding their way into communities threaten the health and future of young people, destroy families and place an increasing burden on healthcare and social welfare systems.
Afenyo-Markin drew a distinction between criminal prosecution and parliamentary oversight, arguing that a pending criminal trial does not suspend administrative accountability. He said that while criminal courts determine whether accused persons have committed offences, Parliament must examine whether public institutions have discharged their responsibilities, whether existing laws and regulatory arrangements are adequate, and whether failures in public administration require corrective action.
He cited earlier seizures, including 4,500 kilograms of cocaine concealed in timber from Ghana intercepted by Dutch authorities in June 2025, 2,829 kilograms concealed in cassava flour shipped from Tema in November 2025, and 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in charcoal detected by Australian authorities in April 2026. He asked how these consignments were processed and cleared, where safeguards failed, and why it takes a seizure abroad to trigger explanations at home, while questioning why officials responsible for serious negligence remain in office.
The Minority Leader also questioned the Narcotics Control Commission’s claim that arrests resulted from a coordinated controlled delivery involving Ghanaian and Lebanese authorities, noting that Lebanese public accounts cited cooperation between Lebanese customs and General Security without acknowledging Ghana’s role. He said NACOC must substantiate its claim, insisting that the government must act while the Minority pursues the truth, demands accountability and insists on results.
Ghanamps.com