The Majority Leader, Honourable James Agalga, has challenged the Minority to bring forward its proposed parliamentary motion on Ghana’s fight against illicit drugs, insisting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cannot outmatch the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the issue.
Addressing the media as Parliament reconvenes, he declared that the governing side is ready to defend its record on the floor of the House.
The Builsa North MP disputed the Minority Leader’s portrayal of recent drug seizures as evidence of a deteriorating enforcement regime, recalling several major narcotics-related incidents that occurred during the previous NPP administration. He further contended that the historical record undermines attempts to present the current government as “uniquely responsible” for the country’s drug-trafficking challenges.
“We are happy to engage them on the floor of parliament. If they were to file a motion, and the motion, or a review motion and it is admitted by the speaker, we relish the opportunity to debate them on the drug menace in this country.”
Honourable James Agalga
Honourable Agalga proceeded to cite incidents dating from 2017, when a Ghanaian was arrested at Kotoka International Airport after swallowing heroin, alongside the confiscation of approximately 10.6 kilogrammes of the substance. He also recalled a 2018 seizure of about 56 kilogrammes of cocaine at Ghana Post, involving six Ghanaians.
Turning to 2019, the Majority Leader referenced the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$1.44 million and another consignment of 255 kilogrammes allegedly linked to a Lebanese national. He further pointed to a 1.1-tonne cocaine seizure in Belgium in 2023, whose consignment owner, he alleged, was Ghanaian and had connections with officials of the then government.
More controversially, the Builsa North MP alleged that two Gulfstream private jets delivered approximately 45 tonnes of cocaine to Ghana in December 2023. He claimed the aircraft were subsequently confiscated and parked at the Air Force Base in Accra, inviting journalists to inspect them with special clearance.
He also recalled the 2008 Axim seizure involving 399 kilogrammes of cocaine, which he characterised as one of the country’s most significant drug busts. According to Honourable Agalga, only two drivers were arrested in connection with that incident.
The Majority Leader further invoked the disappearance of 76 out of 77 cocaine parcels associated with the vessel MV Benjamin, recounting his experience as counsel for a ship mechanic who was acquitted after being implicated in the matter.
Against this historical background, he charged the Minority Leader to test the competing records before Parliament. “My brother, minority leader, we are ready for you. Bring it on,” he declared, expressing confidence that the debate would allow Ghanaians to assess both parties’ records.
Parliament Lacks Power To Conduct Criminal Investigations
Beyond the political contest over Ghana’s drug-fighting record, Majority Leader Honourable James Agalga cautioned Parliament against initiating parallel investigations into narcotics cases already being handled by state security institutions.
He argues that “parliament performs oversight over all agencies of state, including the security agencies. But we do not have the power to conduct criminal investigations or prosecute.”
Responding to calls for greater parliamentary scrutiny of recent drug seizures, he explained that several of the incidents cited by the Minority Leader are currently under active investigation, with some suspects already before the courts.
Honourable Agalga therefore questioned the appropriateness of establishing a separate parliamentary probe while competent institutions were pursuing criminal inquiries. In his assessment, such an intervention would exceed the legislature’s remit and risk duplicating work entrusted to specialised investigative and prosecutorial bodies.
He further invoked parliamentary precedent, recalling the ad hoc committee established to investigate the leaked tape involving the Inspector-General of Police. The Majority Leader explained that members of the committee have been cautioned against straying into criminal investigations, a boundary he emphasised they respected when examining the matter.
“That point has been well established in this house,” the Builsa North MP remarked, using the earlier committee proceedings to illustrate the distinction between parliamentary oversight and criminal investigation. He insisted that the legislature must remain within its institutional mandate when scrutinising matters involving alleged offences.
In addition, Honourable Agalga drew attention to the sub judice rule, which restricts parliamentary discussion of matters pending before the courts. He reiterated that where suspects have been arraigned and proceedings are underway, Parliament is required to exercise restraint in order not to “prejudice the judicial process.”
The Majority Leader acknowledged that the Minority is entitled to pursue a review motion, provided it meets the applicable parliamentary requirements and secure the Speaker’s admission.
Nevertheless, he distinguished such a motion from an attempt to assume the investigative functions of the police, narcotics authorities or other state institutions.
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