Drug busts: Our motion is about accountability, not the guilt of suspects – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says the Minority’s call for a parliamentary inquiry into recent narcotics seizures was intended to ensure accountability and strengthen oversight, not to determine the guilt or innocence of suspects.

Addressing the media in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Afenyo-Markin rejected suggestions that the Minority’s motion sought to interfere with ongoing investigations or court proceedings linked to recent high-profile drug busts.

His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over recent narcotics interceptions connected to Ghana, including the seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French authorities.

The developments have sparked calls for greater transparency and stronger anti-narcotics measures as investigations continue.

He explained that the motion was focused on examining possible institutional lapses and understanding how large quantities of narcotics were able to pass through the country’s security and monitoring systems.

“Our motion was not to determine the guilt or innocence of any suspect,” he said. “That responsibility lies with the courts and the appropriate investigative bodies.”

According to him, Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight over state institutions and ensure that agencies tasked with combating narcotics trafficking are effectively carrying out their mandate.

He argued that the recent seizures have generated widespread public concern and raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s security architecture, making parliamentary scrutiny both necessary and justified.

“We are seeking accountability from institutions, not a verdict on individuals,” he stated. “The objective is to identify weaknesses in our systems and ensure that corrective measures are implemented.”

Mr. Afenyo-Markin further maintained that a parliamentary inquiry would complement the work of law enforcement agencies by focusing on policy, operational gaps and institutional reforms rather than criminal liability.

He expressed disappointment over the decision by Speaker Alban Bagbin to reject the motion, insisting that the Minority’s proposal was carefully crafted to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations.

“The public deserves answers about how these incidents occurred and what measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence,” he said. “Parliament cannot remain silent when issues of this magnitude arise.”

He also stressed the need to protect Ghana’s international reputation, warning that repeated links to major international drug seizures could undermine confidence in the country’s security systems and governance structures.