Alexander Afenyo-Markin urges media scrutiny of $1.7bn narcotics busts

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Ghanaian journalists to intensify their investigative efforts into the country's narcotics enforcement systems. Speaking at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, he highlighted the urgent need for media oversight following reports of 28 drug busts since March 2025, with an estimated street value of $1.7 billion. He emphasized that the media must exercise its constitutional mandate to hold public institutions accountable, particularly in the face of what he described as gaps in official oversight and institutional failures. The Minority Leader’s appeal follows the Speaker of Parliament's refusal to admit a motion for a formal parliamentary inquiry into recent major narcotics cases. Afenyo-Markin noted that the 28 recorded incidents include 11 significant cocaine seizures, raising serious alarms regarding Ghana's border security and international trade reputation. He criticized the lack of governmental accountability and expressed concern that without a parliamentary probe, the full extent of lapses in narcotics enforcement might remain hidden from the public. Addressing the GJA leadership and journalists, Afenyo-Markin praised the association for three decades of promoting excellence but urged that future awards prioritize reporting that demonstrates courage and public impact. He reaffirmed the Minority Caucus's commitment to defending press freedom, describing it as an essential pillar for a functioning democratic society. He argued that when state institutions like Parliament are unable to conduct inquiries, the responsibility falls squarely on the fourth estate to safeguard the national interest. The call for heightened scrutiny comes at a time when Ghana faces increasing pressure to secure its ports and borders against illicit trafficking. Afenyo-Markin concluded by urging the GJA Awards Committee to recognize works that tackle complex issues such as drug trafficking and institutional corruption. By focusing on these critical areas, he suggested that the media can provide the necessary checks and balances to restore confidence in Ghana's security apparatus and overall governance.