Peter Lanchene Toobu rejects calls to recall Parliament over cocaine seizure

Peter Lanchene Toobu, Member of Parliament for Wa West and Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Interior and Defence Committee, has rejected calls to recall Parliament to investigate a massive cocaine seizure in France. The shipment, consisting of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately €225 million, was discovered in Dunkirk, concealed within a container of plastic waste originating from Ghana.

Responding to petitions from the Minority in Parliament to Speaker Alban Bagbin, Toobu argued that a full House recall is unnecessary. He stated that existing parliamentary committees—specifically those overseeing defence, interior, transport, and trade—possess the mandate to conduct oversight while the House remains in recess. He emphasized that effective oversight should focus on systemic improvements, such as policy development and resource allocation, rather than reacting to crises through micromanagement.

On the executive side, President John Dramani Mahama has met with security chiefs and directed the formation of an inter-agency task force. This task force has been given two weeks to develop a blueprint and roadmap to strengthen national security and prevent drug trafficking through Ghana’s borders.