James Agalga defends Ablakwa over interdiction of passport scandal suspect

James Agalga, Majority Leader in Parliament, defended Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in relation to allegations of irregularities in the issuance of Ghanaian service passports. Agalga stated that Ablakwa acted appropriately by interdicting an officer implicated in the matter to allow investigations to proceed, emphasizing that the minister could not be held culpable solely due to alleged misconduct within an institution under his supervision.

The accusations reportedly concern service passports, not diplomatic passports, according to Agalga. He affirmed that Ablakwa ordered the officer's interdiction upon learning of the matter, facilitating investigations without the officer continuing in active service. Agalga noted that the minister's responsibility extended beyond the interdiction to ensuring thorough investigations and appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences for any proven wrongdoing, which could include dismissal and prosecution.

He argued that the minister could only be accused of wrongdoing if he failed to act after awareness of the misconduct. Agalga also commented on whether Parliament should independently investigate the passport allegations, emphasizing the oversight responsibilities of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which has the authority to summon relevant officials to answer questions and provide information.