The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rejected a motion filed by the Minority to establish an ad hoc committee to probe recent high-profile narcotics seizures in Ghana and abroad. The motion was considered during Parliament's emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. According to the Speaker, the motion was inadmissible under several Standing Orders, and he subsequently dismissed it.
The motion, filed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, sought to investigate a series of high-profile narcotics seizures. These included the seizure of 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine by French Customs at Dunkirk on September 10, 2026, valued at $261 million. The motion also cited the seizure of 320kg of methamphetamine by Australian Border Force on June 18, 2026.
The proposed committee aimed to investigate the circumstances under which the consignments were processed and cleared in Ghana. This included examining the ports from which they departed and the intelligence profiling, scanning, physical inspection, and customs procedures applied. The motion also sought to establish the identities and roles of companies, state agencies, and other entities involved in processing and clearing the consignments.
The proposed inquiry would further examine the adequacy of Ghana's security systems at its ports, airports, and other entry and exit points. This includes scanning, surveillance, and intelligence capabilities. The Minority was also asking Parliament to examine the status of investigations, arrests, and prosecutions connected to the seizures.
Additionally, the Minority sought to assess the extent of cooperation and intelligence sharing between Ghanaian authorities and international law-enforcement agencies. The motion highlighted the need for a comprehensive investigation into the recent drug busts to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
The Speaker's decision to reject the motion was based on the inadmissibility of the motion under several Standing Orders, including 5, 6, 103, Rule F, Order 192, and Order 233. The Speaker stated that the motion was dismissed in limine, meaning it was rejected without further consideration.
The rejection of the motion by the Speaker of Parliament has significant implications for the investigation into the recent drug busts. The Minority had been seeking a comprehensive probe into the seizures, and the Speaker's decision may hinder efforts to uncover the truth behind these incidents.
Key points
- The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, rejected the motion due to its inadmissibility under several Standing Orders.
- The motion sought to investigate high-profile narcotics seizures in Ghana and abroad, including the seizure of 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine by French Customs.
- The proposed committee would have examined Ghana's security systems and the cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and international law-enforcement agencies.
