Afenyo-Markin Urges Journalists to Investigate Narcotics Trafficking and Hold Institutions Accountable
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader in Parliament, has urged journalists to intensify investigative reporting into narcotics trafficking and other matters of national concern, particularly where parliamentary efforts to secure investigations have been unsuccessful. Speaking at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and the inauguration of the Awards Committee, he cited the Speaker’s decision not to admit a Minority-sponsored motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into major narcotics incidents. He invoked Chapter 12 and Article 162(5) of the 1992 Constitution, stressing the media’s responsibility to promote accountability and protect the public interest. Citing JoyNews research, he said 28 drug busts involving Ghana had been recorded since March 2025, including 11 major cocaine cases, with estimated street values ranging from US$1.3 billion to US$1.7 billion.
Mr Afenyo-Markin warned that narcotics trafficking could undermine Ghana’s international reputation, border security and legitimate export trade through increased inspections and associated costs. He also raised concerns over the arrest of Salomey Awiti Bafoh and the reported attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the High Court, arguing that broader questions about narcotics enforcement and national security required attention. He commended the GJA for sustaining the awards over three decades and urged the committee to prioritise journalistic courage, independence, integrity and measurable public impact. He reaffirmed the Minority Caucus’ commitment to press freedom and called on journalists to continue scrutinising public institutions in the interest of democratic accountability.
