'Parliament doesn't conduct criminal investigations' - Agalga on dismissal of motion on cocaine bust

Majority Leader, James Agalga, has warned that allowing Parliament to conduct a parallel investigation into ongoing drug-related cases could interfere with legal processes and lead to conflicting findings.

According to him, the cases are already before the courts, with investigations being conducted by state institutions legally mandated to handle criminal matters.

Speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on September 29, 2026, Agalga said it would be inappropriate for Parliament to launch a separate probe while criminal investigations and court proceedings were ongoing.

“When you have different investigations running concurrently, the danger is that you may arrive at different conclusions,” he stated.

He said Parliament’s involvement at this stage could create competing findings on matters that are already being handled by the appropriate investigative agencies and the courts.

“What transpired in Parliament today clearly was a matter that sought to invite Parliament to commence a probe into matters that are already pending before our law courts,” he indicated.

Agalga questioned the purpose of a parliamentary investigation when several suspects had already been arrested, arraigned and, in some cases, remanded by the courts.

He said close to 20 people had so far been arrested and brought before the courts in connection with the cases, while investigations remained ongoing.

“Parliament does not conduct criminal investigations, it has never happened,” Agalga stressed.

Bagbin rejects motion for parliamentary probe into Ghana-linked narcotics seizures

He maintained that criminal investigations should remain with state institutions that have the statutory mandate to conduct them, while the courts determine the cases before them.

“The agencies of state which are statutorily mandated to conduct criminal investigations are actually in the course of investigating matters. You don’t bring Parliament at that stage; it is completely premature,” he noted.

His comments followed a move by the Minority in Parliament to have the House investigate a series of drug-related cases, including alleged lapses in the handling of narcotics seizures and prosecutions.

However, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin dismissed the motion when it came before the House, ruling that it was inadmissible.

"I therefore rule, pursuant to Standing Orders 5, 6, and 103, Sub-Rule F, that the Party Member's motion is inadmissible," Bagbin declared.

The motion, filed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, sought the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate a series of high-profile narcotics seizures in Ghana and abroad.

Among the incidents cited was the seizure of 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine by French Customs at Dunkirk on September 10, 2026, which the motion valued at $261 million.

MRA/VPO

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