Cocaine probe: Speaker is right in dismissing Minority’s motion of parliamentary inquiry – Dr Pelpuo

Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of Special Presidential Initiatives, has defended Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to dismiss a Minority motion seeking parliamentary inquiry into recent major narcotics seizures. In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Dr Pelpuo argued that the Speaker is correct in dismissing the motion, stating that the government comprises various arms and the legislature's primary duty is law-making.

The Speaker ruled the motion inadmissible on September 29, claiming its scope substantially overlapped with ongoing investigations and court proceedings. Dr Pelpuo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Parliament should allow security agencies and courts to complete their work before considering broader parliamentary intervention. He stated that while Parliament can investigate national interest matters, a parallel inquiry could interfere with the work of the courts.

Dr Pelpuo suggested that Parliament could invite the relevant minister to brief the House on the investigation's outcome and consider further action if necessary. He also urged efforts to determine if Ghana serves as a transit point for illicit drugs and to identify weaknesses that may facilitate such activity. He added that if court proceedings fail to address broader questions, an independent professional investigation could still be warranted.

The Minority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has rejected the Speaker's ruling, arguing that it unduly restricts Parliament's oversight role.