The Minority in Parliament has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Ghana's border controls and the response of state institutions responsible for preventing drug trafficking. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Minority's spokesperson on Defence and Interior, raised these concerns ahead of Parliament's emergency sitting on September 29, 2026. The sitting was called to discuss recent major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana.
The emergency sitting follows the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France's Port of Dunkirk in a container reportedly shipped from Ghana. This development has raised serious questions about Ghana's border controls and the response of state institutions. Rev. Fordjour said the Minority was demanding the publication of full, verifiable data on narcotics seizures, arrests, and prosecutions recorded in the country since January 2025.
The Minority spokesperson emphasized the need for transparency, stating that Ghanaians should not learn about the state of their borders from foreign customs officers. He called on the executive to publish the data in real-time, with primary sourcing. This, he believes, will help assess the country's record in combating narcotics trafficking.
Rev. Fordjour also mentioned that the parliamentary inquiry should examine institutional and systemic weaknesses, including the possible involvement or complicity of state agencies. The inquiry should have the authority to summon witnesses, compel the production of documents, and conduct its proceedings publicly, except where national security considerations require otherwise.
The Minority also called on members of both sides of the House to support efforts to establish the facts, arguing that drug trafficking and substance abuse should not be treated as partisan issues. Rev. Fordjour urged the government to make the requested information accessible to the public, arguing that transparency would help Ghanaians assess the country's record in combating narcotics trafficking.
The Minority spokesperson maintained that Parliament had a constitutional responsibility to demand accountability from the Executive rather than leave the matter solely to investigations initiated by government agencies. He emphasized that Parliament is not a spectator in this matter and has the power to appoint committees, summon witnesses, and demand answers.
The issue has sparked a strong reaction, with the Minority Leader and other members of Parliament expressing their concerns. The Speaker of Parliament, Bagbin, has adjourned Parliament indefinitely, and there are calls for a thorough investigation into the narcotics seizures and prosecutions.
Key points
- The Minority in Parliament demands full data on narcotics seizures, arrests, and prosecutions since January 2025.
- The parliamentary inquiry will examine institutional and systemic weaknesses, including possible complicity of state agencies.
- The Minority calls for transparency and public access to information on narcotics trafficking.
