Majority Leader James Agalga has dismissed the Minority’s demand for a parliamentary investigation into ongoing drug-related cases, arguing that Parliament does not have the mandate to conduct criminal investigations.
He explained that the cases are already before the courts and are being investigated by state institutions legally authorised to handle criminal matters.
Speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on September 29 and monitored by MFNews, Agalga warned that a separate parliamentary investigation could interfere with the judicial process and potentially produce conflicting findings.
“Parliament does not conduct criminal investigations, it has never happened,” he said.
He questioned the need for Parliament to initiate an inquiry when several suspects connected to the cases had already been arrested, prosecuted and, in some instances, remanded by the courts.
“What transpired in Parliament today clearly was a matter that sought to invite Parliament to commence a probe into matters that are already pending before our law courts,” he stated.
According to Mr Agalga, nearly 20 people have so far been arrested and brought before the courts in connection with the cases, while investigations by the relevant authorities remain ongoing.
He cautioned that having multiple investigations into the same cases could lead to different conclusions.
“When you have different investigations running concurrently, the danger is that you may arrive at different conclusions,” he said.
Mr Agalga maintained that criminal investigations should be handled by the appropriate state agencies, while the courts should determine matters that have already come before them.
“The agencies of state which are statutorily mandated to conduct criminal investigations are actually in the course of investigating matters. You don’t bring Parliament at that stage; it is completely premature,” he added.
His comments followed an attempt by the Minority in Parliament to secure an inquiry into a number of drug-related cases, including alleged shortcomings in the handling of narcotics seizures and prosecutions.
However, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin rejected the Minority’s motion when it was presented before the House, ruling that it was inadmissible.
“It is inadmissible under Standing Orders 5, 6, 103, Rule F, Order 192 and Order 233, and I accordingly dismiss this motion in limine,” the Speaker ruled.
The motion, submitted by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, sought the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate several high-profile narcotics seizures in Ghana and outside the country.
One of the incidents referenced in the motion was the seizure of 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine by French Customs at Dunkirk on September 10, 2026. The motion estimated the value of the consignment at approximately $261 million.
Source: mfnewsgh
