Nine New Patriotic Party MPs, led by Habib Iddrisu, have filed a motion demanding an Ad Hoc Committee inquiry into narcotics seizures linked to Ghana. The motion, dated 28 September 2026, was submitted to the Clerk to Parliament under Standing Order 102. The MPs are invoking Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and Order 262 of Parliament's Standing Orders to force the creation of the committee. The proposed committee would investigate several high-profile narcotics seizures connected to Ghana.
The motion specifically mentions the 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine seized by French Customs at Dunkirk on 10 September, valued at around $261 million. The committee would also examine a 320-kilogramme methamphetamine seizure in Australia in June 2026 and major cocaine interceptions recorded in Ghana during 2025. Additionally, the committee would probe how the drug consignments were processed, inspected, cleared, and exported from Ghanaian ports, and scrutinise security procedures at points of departure.
The proposed committee would identify the companies, state agencies, and individuals involved in clearing the shipments and assess whether scanning and surveillance systems at Ghana's seaports, airports, and border posts are adequate. The committee would also review the status of arrests and prosecutions arising from the cases and examine how well Ghanaian authorities have cooperated and shared intelligence with counterparts in France and Australia.
The motion lands ahead of an extraordinary sitting of Parliament summoned by Speaker Alban Bagbin for 29 September 2026. The Minority Caucus, led by Iddrisu, cited urgent national security concerns tied to the seizures. The Minority has argued that the scale of the seizures justifies scrutiny of Ghana's ports, customs controls, and drug enforcement systems.
The push for a parliamentary probe comes in the same week the NDC demanded the arrest of NPP figure Nana Boakye over his claims that drug-processing labs are operating in Ghana with alleged official complicity. The NDC has said Boakye should face arrest unless he can substantiate his allegation. It is unclear whether the two matters will be discussed together when Parliament sits on Tuesday.
The debate touches on Ghana's international reputation and the credibility of its port security. Large seizures traced back to Ghana raise questions about how narcotics move through the country's export chain and whether current screening at seaports and airports is sufficient. An Article 103 inquiry would have the power to summon officials and records, potentially exposing gaps in customs and security procedures.
Parliament is scheduled to sit at noon on 29 September 2026, following Bagbin's summons. The fate of Iddrisu's motion and the proposed Ad Hoc Committee remains uncertain. The inquiry could lead to significant reforms in Ghana's customs and security procedures, potentially impacting trade and travel through Ghana's ports.
Key points
- Nine Ghanaian MPs have filed a motion demanding a parliamentary inquiry into narcotics seizures linked to Ghana.
- The proposed committee would investigate several high-profile narcotics seizures connected to Ghana, including a 3.9 metric tonne cocaine seizure in France.
- The inquiry could lead to significant reforms in Ghana's customs and security procedures.
