Ghana’s parliamentary committees may consider cocaine case — MyJoyOnline
In Ghana, Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee and Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu opposed recalling Parliament from recess to investigate the circumstances surrounding the transportation of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine linked to the country. MyJoyOnline reports.
The parliamentary minority appealed to Speaker Alban Bagbin to recall lawmakers from recess. The initiators of the appeal believe that the drug seizure poses urgent national security risks and requires parliamentary oversight.
Peter Toobu’s position
Toobu stated that convening the entire Parliament would not necessarily strengthen oversight, as the relevant committees can consider the case even during the parliamentary recess. According to him, the relevant oversight powers are already held by the Defence and Interior, Transport, and Trade and Industry committees.
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In the MP’s view, parliamentary oversight should include reviewing policies, budget processes, and the work of state institutions, rather than merely reacting after a crisis arises. He also said that the problem cannot be solved solely by dismissing officials and supported developing a broader coordination mechanism among security agencies to combat drug trafficking.
Inter-agency task force
President John Dramani Mahama ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to prepare a plan to prevent the transportation of drugs across Ghana’s borders. The order was issued after an urgent meeting between the president, heads of security agencies, and relevant ministers.
The task force is to submit recommendations within two weeks. Ten people are being held as part of the investigation, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
