The Minority in Parliament has filed a motion seeking a review of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to block its proposed parliamentary inquiry into drug trafficking through Ghana.

The application, filed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, invokes Standing Order 127 of Parliament’s Standing Orders.

The Speaker had ruled on September 29, 2026, that the proposed inquiry was inadmissible because it could interfere with ongoing criminal proceedings involving about 21 individuals in four separate narcotics-related cases.

Addressing a press conference ahead of Parliament’s resumption on Tuesday, November 3, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the motion was intended to protect Parliament’s constitutional oversight role, not undermine the Speaker’s authority.

He argued that several major cocaine seizures involving consignments linked to Ghana warranted an investigation into the country's port security and drug enforcement systems.

Among the incidents he cited was the seizure of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France’s Port of Dunkirk on September 7. The drugs, reportedly concealed in plastic waste originating from Ghana, were valued at about €225 million.

He also referenced seizures in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Sydney, as well as suspected interceptions in Ghana, including at Tema Harbour and Pedu Junction.

Afenyo-Markin argued that ongoing prosecutions should not prevent Parliament from examining possible institutional failures.

“A criminal court determines whether an accused person has committed an offence, whereas Parliament examines whether public institutions have discharged their responsibilities, whether existing laws and regulatory arrangements are adequate, and whether failures in public administration require corrective action,” he said.

He stressed that the proposed inquiry would focus on institutional oversight, regulatory enforcement and accountability rather than determining the guilt or innocence of individuals facing criminal charges.

The motion is expected to come before Parliament following the resumption of sittings on Tuesday, November 3.