Dr Pelpuo backs Bagbin’s rejection of Minority motion for parliamentary probe into narcotics seizures

Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of State at the Presidency overseeing Special Presidential Initiatives, has expressed support for Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision to dismiss a Minority motion requesting a parliamentary inquiry into recent large narcotics seizures involving Ghana. Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on September 30, Pelpuo affirmed that the Speaker was "100% right" in his stance.

Pelpuo argued that Parliament should refrain from interfering with ongoing security agency and court investigations, as their primary responsibility is to enact legislation. He noted that while Parliament possesses the authority to investigate matters of national significance, a concurrent inquiry could potentially clash with the court proceedings where the suspects are already undergoing trials.

Pelpuo suggested that Parliament could invite the pertinent minister to address the House on the results of these investigations and determine any further actions, if required. He also called for identifying potential weaknesses that may enable illicit drug trafficking within Ghana. If the ongoing court cases fail to provide satisfactory answers to the broader questions surrounding the narcotics seizures, Pelpuo indicated that an independent professional investigation might still be contemplated.

However, he emphasized that such an investigation should not be undertaken by Parliament itself, but rather by an impartial, professional investigative entity. The Minority Party, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has contested the Speaker's ruling, contending that it curtails Parliament's oversight responsibilities.