Majority Leader James Agalga declared on JoyNews’ PM Express that Parliament lacks the authority to conduct criminal investigations, rejecting a minority‑led petition for a probe into recent cocaine seizures linked to Ghana.
Speaking on Wednesday, Agalga accused the Minority of pursuing an inquiry despite knowing Parliament’s limits, stating, “Parliament has not got the power to conduct criminal investigations.” He added that the request was an attempt to play to the gallery while investigative agencies were already handling the cases.
He noted that arrests and court proceedings were already underway, with some suspects arraigned, others granted bail, and trials ongoing. “What Parliament would investigate under those circumstances?” he questioned. The Minority’s petition sought scrutiny of port security, cargo inspections and the work of agencies responsible for preventing drug trafficking.
Speaker Alban Bagbin subsequently recalled the House for an emergency sitting on September 29 and ruled the proposed inquiry inadmissible in its current form, citing overlap with matters before the courts and the risk of prejudicing parties in pending judicial proceedings. Agalga also invoked the sub‑judice principle, arguing that Parliament’s standing orders prevent involvement in matters already before the judiciary.
With the Speaker’s ruling, the proposed inquiry was halted as presented. The debate highlights the boundary between legislative oversight and judicial investigation in Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking.
