Afenyo-Markin urges closer media scrutiny of public institutions.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged journalists to step up investigative reporting and hold public institutions accountable amid growing concerns over narcotics-related incidents in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and the inauguration of the Awards Committee, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the media had a constitutional duty to investigate matters of national interest, particularly when parliamentary efforts to probe them faced procedural setbacks.
His call follows the Speaker of Parliament’s decision not to admit a Minority-sponsored motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into major narcotics incidents.
He cited Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees press freedom and independence, and Article 162(5), which underscores the media’s role in holding government accountable.
Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed concern about reports of narcotics trafficking involving Ghana, warning of potential consequences for national security, the country’s international reputation and legitimate export trade.
Citing JoyNews research, he said 28 drug busts involving Ghana had been recorded since March 2025, including 11 major cocaine cases, with the estimated street value of the seized cocaine ranging from US$1.3 billion to US$1.7 billion.
He also referenced information attributed to Belgian Customs regarding Ghana’s ranking among countries of origin for cocaine entering Belgium.
The Minority Leader called for scrutiny of the country’s port surveillance, border security and narcotics enforcement systems.
He warned that increased international scrutiny could subject legitimate Ghanaian exports to additional cargo inspections and higher costs.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority Caucus had initiated a parliamentary recall and submitted a motion seeking a bipartisan investigation into narcotics enforcement and border security.
He argued that the Speaker’s decision not to admit the motion had prevented Parliament from considering the proposed inquiry, making independent media investigations even more critical.
He also raised concerns about state security operations surrounding the arrest of Salomey Awiti Bafoh and the reported attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the High Court premises.
He maintained that these incidents should not distract from broader questions about narcotics trafficking and national security.
On the 30th GJA Media Awards, Mr Afenyo-Markin commended the association for sustaining three decades of recognition for journalistic excellence.
He urged the newly inaugurated Awards Committee to prioritise courage, independence, professional integrity and measurable public impact when assessing entries.
The Minority Leader also reaffirmed the Minority Caucus’ commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists against state overreach.
He congratulated the GJA leadership and the Awards Committee, expressing hope that the anniversary edition would strengthen journalism’s contribution to democratic accountability.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
