Majority Leader in Parliament, James Agalga, has defended the Majority Caucus’ position that a proposed parliamentary inquiry into recent major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana was unnecessary, arguing that investigations by state security agencies are already underway.
Parliament was recalled from recess on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, for an emergency sitting following a petition by 48 members of the Minority Caucus, led by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu.
The recall was made pursuant to Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of Parliament’s Standing Orders.
The Minority had called for the establishment of an Ad -Hoc Committee to investigate a series of narcotics seizures involving consignments allegedly linked to Ghana.
Among the cases cited was the seizure by French Customs at the Port of Dunkirk on September 10 of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, reportedly concealed in a container that had departed Ghana.
The Minority also cited the seizure of about 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine by Australian authorities in June 2026, as well as earlier cocaine interceptions in Ghana.
The proposed committee was expected to examine how the consignments were processed, inspected and cleared, identify the companies and state agencies involved, assess security arrangements at Ghana’s ports and other entry points, and review the status of investigations, arrests, prosecutions and international cooperation.
However, Agalga said the Majority considered the proposed parliamentary probe premature, given ongoing investigations by the relevant security institutions.
According to him, a parallel parliamentary inquiry could interfere with the work of the agencies currently investigating the cases.
He also argued that Parliament was not mandated to conduct active criminal investigations.
Agalga said the government had already taken measures to address the concerns surrounding narcotics trafficking and Ghana’s international reputation.
He pointed to strengthened international cooperation through the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) with authorities in France, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, South Africa and other countries.
He also said President John Dramani Mahama had established a Border Security and Narcotics Control Task Force comprising the heads of relevant security and intelligence institutions to improve coordination, assess emerging threats and identify trafficking networks.
Another measure highlighted by the Majority Leader was the restoration of NACOC to the Joint Container Inspection process at Ghana’s ports, which he said would enhance narcotics intelligence, risk profiling and detection of high-risk consignments.
Agalga said the ultimate measure of the government’s efforts would be tangible outcomes, including arrests supported by evidence, successful prosecutions, seizures, disruption of trafficking networks and asset recovery.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin dismissed the Minority’s motion seeking the establishment of the Ad- Hoc Committee.
The Speaker ruled that the motion was inadmissible under Standing Orders 5, 6, 103, Rule F, Order 192 and Order 233, and dismissed it in limine, meaning at the outset.
The Speaker also cited concerns over the overlap between the proposed parliamentary inquiry and matters subject to ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings.
Following the ruling, Speaker Bagbin adjourned the House until further notice.
Agalga said the Majority respected the Speaker’s ruling and maintained that Parliament should not interfere with active criminal investigations.
He called on Ghanaians to allow the relevant security agencies, including NACOC and Customs, to continue their work while government strengthens scanning, surveillance and intelligence systems at the country’s ports and borders.
