Assin South MP Rejects Speaker's Decision to Block Cocaine Probe

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has blocked a motion by the Minority to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate recent cocaine seizures. MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour says the decision shows signs of political protection for those involved in drug trafficking. He argues that blocking a bipartisan inquiry suggests the government does not want certain information revealed. The committee had wanted to examine how large consignments of cocaine were processed, inspected and cleared for export. Questions have been raised about whether political connections are shielding major traffickers. The Ghana Police and customs authorities have not commented publicly on the matter. In 2025, the Global Organised Crime Index cited weak enforcement and limited seizure data as a concern. Fordjour believes the index and the Speaker’s action point to a broader issue of state capture in drug trade networks. If the allegations were false, he says, there would be no need to deny a full parliamentary review. The debate continues to highlight tensions between transparency and powerful interests in Ghana’s drug control policies. Critics warn that without independent oversight, Ghana may lose credibility in regional anti-drug efforts. International partners have expressed concern over declining seizure numbers despite rising suspicion of covert export routes. The MP insists that truth must prevail for the sake of national integrity. He calls for a non-partisan probe to restore public confidence. Any future motion on the issue will depend on parliamentary negotiations. The Speaker may reconsider if pressure from civil society grows stronger.