22/09/2026
REQUEST FOR THE RECALL OF PARLIAMENT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 112(3) OF THE 1992 CONSTITUTION AND ORDER 53 OF THE STANDING ORDERS OF PARLIAMENT TO CONSIDER MATTERS OF URGENT NATIONAL IMPORTANCE
Rt. Hon. Speaker,
We, the undersigned Members of Parliament, constituting not less than the constitutionally required fifteen per cent (15%) of the Members of Parliament, respectfully petition you, pursuant to Article 112(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, to summon Parliament to an extraordinary sitting to consider matters of urgent national importance.
Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution provides that fifteen per cent of Members of Parliament may request a meeting of Parliament and that the Speaker shall, within seven days of receiving such a request, summon Parliament.
Similarly, Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament provides for the summoning of Parliament upon a request made by the requisite number of Members.
In view of the gravity of the matters outlined below and their implications for national security, public safety, institutional accountability, and Ghana’s international reputation, we respectfully submit that the urgent recall of Parliament is warranted.
MATTERS REQUIRING THE URGENT ATTENTION OF PARLIAMENT
1. Reported Seizure in France of Approximately 3.9 Tonnes of Co***ne from a Container Originating from Ghana
Rt. Hon. Speaker, recent reports concerning the seizure by French authorities of approximately 3.9 tonnes of co***ne at the Port of Dunkirk, France, concealed in a container reportedly originating from Ghana, raise serious concerns that require the immediate attention and oversight of Parliament.
The scale of the reported seizure and its alleged connection to a consignment originating from Ghana raise critical questions regarding the security and integrity of Ghana’s ports and export systems, customs controls, intelligence gathering, narcotics enforcement, and the effectiveness of the institutions mandated to safeguard the country’s borders.
While investigations by the appropriate Ghanaian and international authorities are ongoing, Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight, establish the relevant facts, and ensure appropriate institutional accountability without prejudicing ongoing investigations or the rights of persons under investigation.
2. Need for a Parliamentary Inquiry into Narcotics Trafficking and Institutional Accountability
In view of the seriousness of these developments and their implications for national security, Ghana’s international reputation, the integrity of our ports and borders, and the fight against organised crime, we respectfully urge Parliament to institute a parliamentary inquiry or investigation into the institutional, regulatory, and security-related issues arising from these incidents.
The inquiry should, as Parliament may deem appropriate, involve the Minister responsible for the Interior, the Minister responsible for Transport, the Minister responsible for National Security, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau, and other relevant security and regulatory agencies.
In particular, Parliament should be apprised of the following:
a. The circumstances under which the container intercepted in France was processed, cleared, and exported from Ghana;
b. The port or facility through which the consignment departed Ghana, including the applicable inspection, scanning, and clearance procedures;
c. The identities and respective roles of the companies, agencies, and institutions involved in the processing, handling, and clearance of the consignment, subject to legitimate restrictions necessary to protect ongoing investigations;
d. The current status and progress of investigations into the matter, including any arrests made and charges preferred;
e. The extent of cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and their French and other international counterparts in investigating and addressing the incident;
f. The measures being undertaken to identify and apprehend the financiers, organisers, and criminal networks behind major narcotics trafficking operations;
g. The adequacy of existing security, scanning, intelligence, and surveillance systems at Ghana’s ports, airports, and other points of entry and exit;
h. The measures being implemented to prevent Ghana from being used as a transit or operational hub for international narcotics trafficking; and
i. Any other relevant narcotics enforcement measures, investigations, or institutional concerns that Parliament may consider necessary to examine.
3. Other Significant Drug-Related Incidents Since 2025
Rt. Hon. Speaker, the reported seizure in France must also be considered within the broader context of other significant drug-related incidents involving Ghana since 2025. These incidents raise further concerns regarding the effectiveness of narcotics enforcement, border security, and institutional accountability.
The incidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Pedu Junction Co***ne Interception — 4th March 2025
On 4th March 2025, the National Intelligence Bureau reportedly intercepted more than 3.3 tonnes of co***ne concealed beneath sand in a tipper truck at Pedu Junction, Cape Coast, with an estimated street value exceeding US$350 million.
b. Co***ne Interception along the Takoradi–Cape Coast Highway
Within the same period, a second consignment comprising approximately 120 slabs of co***ne, reportedly valued at approximately US$150 million, was intercepted along the Takoradi–Cape Coast Highway.
c. Co***ne Seizure within the Tema Harbour Enclave — 5th August 2026
On 5th August 2026, the Tema Regional Police Command reportedly seized 866 parcels of suspected co***ne concealed in sacks of gari at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave. The consignment was reportedly valued at US$6.9 million.
d. Unresolved Aircraft Incident and the MV Sankofa Case
An aircraft alleged to have been carrying narcotics and undeclared United States currency from Gran Canaria reportedly landed at Kotoka International Airport on or around 20th March 2025. The circumstances surrounding this incident remain unresolved.
Furthermore, the MV Sankofa, which was reportedly found sailing under a forged flag, was released by the Ghana Maritime Authority upon payment of a fraction of an applicable fine of nearly GH¢12 million, without a full inspection of its cargo. The vessel was subsequently arrested in Senegal, reportedly carrying narcotics.
These incidents raise serious questions about the effectiveness of maritime surveillance, vessel inspection procedures, regulatory enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
e. International Drug Seizures Linked to Consignments from Ghana
On 18th June 2026, Australian customs authorities reportedly seized 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, valued at approximately US$261 million, concealed in a charcoal consignment traced to Ghana.
More recently, on 10th September 2026, French customs officers at Dunkirk reportedly seized nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of co***ne, valued at over US$260 million, concealed in a container of plastic waste that had departed Ghana.
These reported seizures have raised the cumulative value of major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana to well over US$1 billion in less than two years, according to the estimates cited above.
The scale and frequency of these incidents warrant a comprehensive examination of the effectiveness of Ghana’s narcotics enforcement architecture, export controls, and border security systems.
f. Progress of Investigations into the Pedu Junction Seizure
More than a year after the reported Pedu Junction seizure, concerns persist regarding the progress and outcome of investigations into the matter.
It has been reported that only the driver, a housemaid, and a small number of other suspects described as peripheral actors have been arraigned and remain on bail, while the financiers and principal traffickers behind the consignment, reportedly valued at US$350 million, remain unidentified or unprosecuted.
This situation raises legitimate questions regarding the depth, effectiveness, independence, and reach of the investigations, as well as the capacity of the relevant institutions to identify and prosecute the principal actors behind major narcotics trafficking operations.
These concerns are further compounded by the apparent lack of comprehensive public communication from NACOC and the relevant port authorities regarding the progress and outcomes of investigations into these incidents.
Parliament must therefore be afforded the opportunity to examine these matters and obtain the necessary assurances regarding the commitment of the relevant institutions to combating narcotics trafficking and organised crime.
JUSTIFICATION FOR URGENCY
Rt. Hon. Speaker, the matters outlined above are of such gravity and national significance that they cannot reasonably be deferred until the ordinary resumption of Parliament.
International narcotics trafficking poses a serious threat to national security, public safety, Ghana’s international standing, and the integrity of our financial, maritime, and border-security systems.
The scale of the reported seizure in France, together with the other narcotics-related incidents outlined above, particularly those involving consignments originating from or passing through Ghana, demands urgent parliamentary scrutiny.
The recurrence of such incidents raises critical concerns about the adequacy of existing enforcement mechanisms, the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination, the integrity of our ports and export systems, and the ability of the relevant institutions to identify and prosecute the principal actors behind major narcotics trafficking operations.
The purpose of this request is not to prejudge the guilt of any individual, interfere with ongoing criminal investigations, or undermine the work of law enforcement agencies. Rather, it is to enable Parliament to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of oversight, accountability, and the protection of the national interest.
The urgent recall of Parliament will provide the necessary forum for the relevant Ministers and institutions to brief the House, respond to concerns, and account for the measures being undertaken to address these developments.
REQUEST FOR THE RECALL OF PARLIAMENT
Accordingly, and pursuant to Article 112(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, Order 53, and the relevant provisions of the Standing Orders of Parliament, we respectfully request that the Rt. Hon. Speaker:
1. Summon Parliament within the constitutionally prescribed period to consider the foregoing matters of urgent national importance and their broader implications for national security, institutional accountability, and the public interest;
2. Facilitate the necessary parliamentary deliberations and, where appropriate, institute an inquiry into the matters raised, including the conduct and effectiveness of the relevant security, regulatory, and narcotics enforcement institutions; and
3. Ensure that the relevant Ministers and institutional heads are afforded the opportunity to brief Parliament on the incidents, the progress of investigations, and the measures being implemented to prevent further occurrences.
We make this request in good faith and in the overriding national interest, recognising Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to promote transparency, accountability, effective oversight, and the protection of the Republic.
We respectfully urge the Rt. Hon. Speaker to take the necessary action in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Respectfully submitted,
Hon. Habib Iddrisu
First Deputy Minority Whip
Member of Parliament for Tolon Constituency.
