The Majority Leader, James Agalga, has questioned the Minority’s criticism of the government’s handling of recent drug seizures, pointing to an aircraft he says was linked to a cocaine delivery into Ghana in 2023.

Agalga challenged the Minority to consider the circumstances surrounding the incident, asking who was President when the aircraft reportedly brought the consignment into the country.

The incident occurred under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, when Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was President.

According to reports, Agalga disclosed that two confiscated Gulfstream private jets allegedly transported cocaine into Ghana in December 2023 and remain parked at the Air Force Base in Accra.

He said the aircraft had been seized and invited journalists to inspect them, subject to the necessary security clearance.

Agalga defends government’s handling of drug seizures

The Majority Leader’s comments come amid growing political debate over a series of cocaine seizures linked to Ghana, including consignments intercepted outside the country.

The Minority has raised concerns about the frequency of the incidents and questioned the effectiveness of Ghana’s airport security, intelligence coordination and border controls.

However, Agalga has rejected suggestions that the seizures automatically demonstrate failures by the current government.

He has argued that security agencies should also be recognised when they intercept narcotics through intelligence-led operations.

The Majority Leader has also challenged the opposition to examine the record of drug seizures and arrests under the previous administration before criticising the current government.

Security chiefs expected to brief Parliament

Agalga has further disclosed that heads of Ghana’s security agencies will soon brief Parliament on measures taken to strengthen the country’s fight against narcotics trafficking.

The planned briefing is expected to give lawmakers an opportunity to receive updates on security interventions following the recent increase in drug-related interceptions.

The discussions are likely to cover measures at the country’s airports and other exit points, intelligence gathering, surveillance and cooperation among security institutions.

The briefing comes amid calls from the Minority for greater accountability over drug consignments reportedly leaving Ghana and being intercepted in foreign jurisdictions.

Parliament faces growing pressure over narcotics concerns

The issue has become a major subject of debate between the Majority and Minority caucuses.

The Minority has pursued a parliamentary review of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to reject its earlier request for a parliamentary inquiry into recent cocaine seizures.

The Speaker had cited concerns about the proposed inquiry overlapping with criminal investigations and matters before the courts.

Agalga has indicated that the Majority is prepared to debate the Minority’s concerns if its review application is admitted in accordance with Parliament’s Standing Orders.

The expected briefing by security chiefs could provide Parliament with further information on the government’s response to narcotics trafficking and the steps being taken to address security concerns.

For now, the debate continues over the responsibilities of successive governments, the performance of security agencies and the measures needed to protect Ghana’s reputation as an international trade and aviation destination.

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