Majority Leader James Agalga has defended the dismissal of the Minority’s proposed Parliament cocaine probe, arguing that the government has already initiated investigations and security measures to address major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana.
In a statement following Parliament’s emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29, the Builsa North MP maintained that establishing a separate parliamentary committee could interfere with ongoing criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.
His comments followed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to reject the Minority’s motion for an ad hoc committee to investigate recent drug interceptions, including nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine seized at France’s Port of Dunkirk.
The Speaker ruled that the proposed inquiry substantially overlapped with matters under investigation and before the courts, creating a risk of prejudicing pending proceedings.
Agalga Says Parliamentary Inquiry Was Premature
Mr Agalga said the Majority opposed the motion because security agencies were already investigating the incidents.
He argued that Parliament should exercise its oversight responsibilities without conducting parallel inquiries into matters involving active criminal proceedings.
The Majority Leader also described the recall as premature and politically motivated, maintaining that law enforcement agencies should be allowed to complete their investigations.
The Minority, however, rejected that interpretation.Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the proposed committee was intended to examine institutional accountability, port security and administrative failures rather than determine the criminal guilt of individuals.
Government Outlines Measures Against Drug Trafficking
Mr Agalga said President John Dramani Mahama had directed several interventions following the Dunkirk seizure, including the establishment of a Border Security and Narcotics Control Task Force.
The interagency body has been tasked with strengthening coordination among security institutions, identifying trafficking networks and recommending measures to prevent illicit shipments through Ghana's borders.
The President directed the task force to submit a roadmap within two weeks of a September 17 security meeting.
The Majority Leader also highlighted cooperation between Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and international authorities, including those in France, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands and South Africa.
According to him, discussions with French authorities have begun, with mutual legal assistance and joint investigations forming part of the response.
Another measure involves restoring NACOC to joint container inspections at Ghana's ports. The agency had been excluded from the joint inspection arrangement under reforms introduced in 2018.
Government says its return will strengthen specialised narcotics detection, intelligence profiling and the examination of suspicious consignments before they leave Ghana.
Mr Agalga maintained that the effectiveness of these measures should ultimately be assessed through arrests supported by evidence, successful prosecutions, disrupted trafficking networks and recovered criminal assets.
Speaker Dismisses Motion, Adjourns Parliament
During Tuesday's sitting, Speaker Bagbin ruled the Minority's motion inadmissible, citing parliamentary Standing Orders and concerns about interference with pending judicial proceedings.
The House was subsequently adjourned until further notice.MyJoyOnline+1The Minority has maintained that parliamentary oversight of customs procedures and security institutions can proceed without determining criminal liability, challenging the basis of the ruling.
For now, the proposed ad hoc committee will not proceed in its current form, while the investigations into the narcotics consignments remain with the relevant law enforcement authorities.
READ ALSO: High Court Affirms GSA Power to Enforce Refund Directive Against MSG Freight
