By Issah Mohammed
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA – Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has urged the media to intensify investigations into recent narcotics shipments linked to Ghana and establish the circumstances surrounding their movement.
His call follows the Speaker’s dismissal of a Minority motion seeking a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into alleged security failures that allowed multi-tonne consignments of narcotics to pass through Ghana’s borders.
“When the legislature is prevented from asking questions, the media must find the answers,” he said at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra on Wednesday.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority had filed a motion seeking a review of the Speaker’s decision, adding that the inability of Parliament to pursue the inquiry heightened the need for investigative journalism.
He also expressed concern over the controversy, which was affecting legitimate Ghanaian exporters.
Citing official disclosures from Belgian Customs at the Port of Antwerp, he said Ghana ranked fifth among countries of origin for cocaine entering Belgium, a development he described as damaging to the country’s international reputation.
He said legitimate shipments of Ghanaian timber, cocoa, cashew and other agricultural produce were facing increased scrutiny, prolonged cargo holds and higher inspection fees at European and other international ports because of the heightened risk profile.
He urged journalists to focus on the facts, trace the narcotics shipments, investigate possible institutional complicity and demand accountability.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also called on political leaders to deepen dialogue and ease partisan tensions, stressing that the national interest should remain central to political engagement.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Issah Mohammed
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