Speaker Bagbin Recalls Parliament for Extraordinary Sitting Following Massive 3.9-Tonne Cocaine Seizure

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has summoned members for an extraordinary sitting on September 29, 2026, to address growing national security concerns regarding significant narcotics seizures linked to Ghana. The recall, prompted by a petition from the Minority Caucus under Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution, follows the interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk in France. The shipment, which originated from Ghana, is estimated to have a street value of €225 million. This incident is part of a series of at least 12 major drug-related events reported since 2025, with a cumulative value exceeding $1 billion, sparking intense debate over the integrity of the nation's export mechanisms and port security.

The Minority Caucus, led by First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu, is demanding a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into the security lapses that allowed such a massive consignment to bypass domestic checks. NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye has called for the removal of the heads of key institutions involved in drug and border control, arguing that drug cartels are increasingly using legitimate Ghanaian exports as cover. The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has echoed these calls, warning that Ghana's international reputation is at risk. They have specifically urged the proposed committee to examine a 2018 Cabinet decision that they believe weakened narcotics inspection protocols at the country’s ports.

In response, the Majority Caucus has dismissed the need for a parallel parliamentary probe, maintaining that law enforcement agencies should be allowed to complete their ongoing investigations without political interference. Majority Leader James Agalga defended the current administration’s record, citing a 197% surge in narcotics-related arrests—rising from 73 in 2024 to 217 in 2025. Agalga attributed these results to strategic reforms under President John Mahama, including the establishment of a dedicated narcotics court and the expansion of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). Furthermore, the Majority revealed that President Mahama has approved the recruitment of 1,200 additional NACOC staff to bolster operational presence at district commands across the country.

Despite the government's defense, the upcoming parliamentary session is expected to be a contentious examination of the country's narcotics enforcement efficacy. While Majority Leader Agalga suggested that some interceptions abroad might be the result of "controlled delivery" tactics coordinated with international agencies, the Minority remains adamant that the scale of recent seizures indicates systemic failure. As Parliament prepares to convene at 12 noon in Accra, the focus will remain on whether existing security protocols at Ghana’s ports are sufficient to disrupt organized trafficking networks and restore the nation's standing in the international community.