Dafeamekpor Rejects Minority’s Call to Recall Parliament Over Drug Seizures

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has rejected the Minority’s request for Parliament to be recalled over recent major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana, arguing that ongoing investigations should be allowed to proceed.

The South Dayi MP described the recall request as “a misplaced call” and said the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Police were already investigating the cases.

Dafeamekpor said NACOC was established by law to handle narcotics-related offences and that Parliament should not interfere with investigations being conducted by the agencies responsible for law enforcement.

The Minority has petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin to recall Parliament to investigate a series of major drug seizures, including the reported seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France’s Port of Dunkirk on September 10.

The petition, signed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, invokes Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of Parliament’s Standing Orders. The Minority says the incidents raise concerns about Ghana’s ports, customs controls, export systems, intelligence gathering and narcotics enforcement.

Dafeamekpor argued that a parliamentary inquiry conducted while criminal investigations are ongoing could duplicate the work of NACOC, the Police and other relevant institutions.

He said that where suspects have been arrested and cases have reached court, Parliament should not attempt to take over the functions of investigative and prosecutorial bodies.

“Parliament cannot prosecute anybody based on the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry,” he said, arguing that investigators and prosecutors should first establish the facts and pursue any necessary legal action.

The Minority, however, says its proposed parliamentary inquiry would focus on Parliament’s oversight responsibilities and would not interfere with ongoing criminal investigations. It is seeking answers from several state institutions about how the consignments were processed, inspected and exported, as well as the progress of investigations and arrests.

Dafeamekpor also said the seizure of narcotics and arrests made in connection with the cases should be viewed as evidence that the relevant law-enforcement agencies were carrying out their responsibilities.

“If drugs were confiscated and suspects arrested, I think NACOC and the police should rather be commended,” he said.