Habib Iddrisu rejects argument that court cases bar Parliament from investigating drug scandal
The Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has rejected the argument that ongoing court cases should prevent Parliament from investigating Ghana’s alleged role as a drug transit hub.
Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu has refuted claims that ongoing court cases hinder Parliament from investigating allegations that Ghana is a drug transit hub. The Tolon MP disagreed with Speaker Alban Bagbin's reasoning for rejecting a Minority motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the drug scandal. Bagbin cited concerns over state security agency investigations and pending court cases.
However, Iddrisu argued that Parliament's constitutional mandate to investigate should take precedence over Standing Orders. He pointed to Articles 103(3) and 103(6) of the Constitution, which he said explicitly grant Parliament the power to conduct such investigations. Iddrisu highlighted Parliament's handling of the Kpandai matter as an example of how it can act despite court proceedings being in progress.
He noted that Speaker Bagbin made rulings on Kpandai despite a court case being active. Iddrisu emphasized that the Speaker's rejection of the Minority's motion on the drug scandal relied on Standing Order 101(3)(F), which restricts motions involving matters before the courts where parliamentary action could prejudice parties. However, he maintained that the provision should be considered alongside Parliament's constitutional authority to investigate.
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