Agalga rejects cocaine probe by Parliament, says criminal investigations lie outside its powers

Majority Leader James Agalga has dismissed the Minority's call for a parliamentary probe into cocaine seizures, declaring that Parliament lacks the authority to engage in criminal investigations. Addressing JoyNews’ PM Express, Agalga criticized the Minority for pursuing the inquiry despite recognizing Parliament's limitations. "Parliament has not got the power to conduct criminal investigations," he affirmed, stating that the Minority's demand was an attempt to seek public attention.

Agalga emphasized that criminal investigations are currently being conducted by investigative agencies, with some suspects already in custody, others granted bail, and trials ongoing in various cases. He questioned the relevance of Parliament's involvement in such matters, as there would be little left for it to investigate. This stance came after the Minority petitioned for a recall of Parliament from recess to scrutinize narcotics seizures linked to Ghana, including port security and cargo inspections.

Speaker Alban Bagbin subsequently called the House back for an emergency session on September 29, but ruled the proposed inquiry inadmissible in its current form due to overlap with ongoing judicial proceedings. Agalga invoked the sub judice principle, arguing that Parliament's standing orders prohibited its intervention in matters already before the judiciary.