Minority files fresh motion to review Bagbin’s ruling rejecting parliamentary inquiry into recent drug busts

Listen to this articleAI narrationPlayback position0:001:051010Playback speed1×The Minority Caucus in Parliament has filed a fresh motion seeking a review of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to reject its earlier request for a parliamentary inquiry into recent drug busts linked to Ghana.

The Speaker rejected the initial motion on grounds that there was substantial factual overlap between the proposed parliamentary inquiry and matters currently before the courts.

In his ruling, Bagbin said the proposed investigation could involve interference with evidence, witnesses, conduct and questions of responsibility relevant to pending judicial proceedings.

However, speaking at a Leaders’ Media Briefing on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, ahead of the resumption of parliamentary sittings, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the caucus had filed a fresh motion to challenge the Speaker’s decision.

“We, pursuant to Standing Order 127 of the Standing Orders of Parliament have filed through our First Deputy Whip, Habib Iddrisu of Tolon a review of the said decision,” he announced to the media.

The latest move seeks to have the earlier ruling reviewed, although details of the fresh motion were not immediately provided.

According to the Minority, their decision is not an attempt to undermine the authority of the Speaker, as the Caucus "respect the Office of the Speaker and recognize the constitutional responsibility entrusted to its occupant."

They believe that their respect for the Speaker's Office does not limit them to demand accountability from public institutions.

"However, the respect for the office does not require silence when a ruling raises a serious question about the constitutional powers of Parliament and the ability of elected representatives to demand accountability from public institutions," Afenyo-Markin stated.