Ghanaian parliamentary oversight and integrity disputes

Tensions have risen within Ghana’s Parliament regarding oversight responsibilities and allegations of misconduct. The Minority in Parliament filed a motion to challenge Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to block an inquiry into major narcotics seizures. The Speaker had previously ruled the inquiry inadmissible to avoid prejudicing ongoing criminal proceedings, but Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that Parliament must still examine institutional failures in port security and customs controls.

Through a formal motion filed by First Deputy Whip Habib Iddrisu under Standing Order 127, the Minority is seeking a review of the September 2026 ruling. They argue that judicial proceedings should not prevent Parliament from investigating failures in intelligence-sharing and security, citing significant international seizures including 3.9 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately €225 million.

Separately, a confrontation occurred in the chamber when Speaker Bagbin ordered MP Samuel Abu Jinapor to be escorted out following allegations that diplomatic passports were being sold for significant sums. Jinapor, the MP for Damongo, alleged that Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials were selling passports for between US$10,000 and US$50,000, an accusation that reportedly implicated Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

On November 3, the Speaker reportedly offered Jinapor the opportunity to either withdraw the comments or have them expunged from the official record. Following Jinapor’s failure to provide an unqualified withdrawal, the Speaker directed a Parliamentary Marshal to escort him from the chamber. This led to a walkout by the Minority Caucus, with leaders criticizing the move as “unjust, needless and highhanded.”

Political reactions to the ejection have been divided. Peter Lanchene Toobu accused Jinapor of being disrespectful to the Speaker and attempting to create media content, while Hamza Suhuyini defended the Speaker, stating Jinapor failed to follow established parliamentary procedures by restating the substance of his claim instead of making a formal withdrawal.