The Majority in Parliament has rejected claims by the Minority that the government has failed to effectively combat drug trafficking following reports of an alleged cocaine seizure outside Ghana.

The development has triggered political debate with questions being raised over Ghana’s ability to prevent the movement of narcotics and allegations that individuals linked to government could be connected to the matter.

But the Majority has pushed back strongly against such claims, cautioning against drawing conclusions about Ghana’s security operations based solely on the interception of suspected narcotics outside the country.

Speaking on the issue, Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, said the mere fact that a suspected cocaine consignment was intercepted outside Ghana does not mean the country’s security agencies have failed.

“The mere fact that cocaine is seen outside the jurisdiction of Ghana does not mean that our security agencies are weak or that the government has deliberately allowed such a thing to happen.”

According to Hon. Agalga, international law enforcement operations sometimes involve security agencies allowing suspected narcotics to travel beyond their jurisdiction as part of a coordinated effort to identify and arrest individuals involved in the trafficking network.

He explained that such operations can be conducted under what is known as “controlled delivery”.

“Sometimes, the security agencies deliberately allow the narcotic substance to leave the shores of Ghana and collaborate with foreign security agencies. This is what is called controlled delivery.”

He therefore urged the public and political actors to exercise caution before concluding that Ghana’s security agencies are not doing enough to combat drug trafficking.

“So, nobody should make the mistake of concluding that our security agencies are not working simply because the substance has been intercepted outside the jurisdiction.”

Hon. Agalga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) with the resources and logistical support required to intensify the fight against illicit drugs.

“The government under the leadership of President Mahama is committed to beefing up the Narcotics Control Authority with the necessary resources to fight this cancer.”

The Majority Leader also expressed surprise at the Minority’s decision to call for Parliament to reconvene to deliberate on the matter, arguing that the relevant security agencies are already conducting investigations.

He questioned what exactly the Minority sought to achieve by calling for Parliament to be recalled while investigative processes were ongoing.

“I am surprised that the Minority is calling for the House to reconvene when the security agencies are already conducting investigations into the matter.”

He added that the necessary arrangements had already been made concerning persons connected to the case including matters before the courts.

“The necessary arrangements have been made and some of the persons involved have been arranged before the court, so I do not know what the Minority is seeking to achieve in this matter.”

Despite his reservations, Hon. Agalga welcomed the Minority’s decision to bring the matter before Parliament.

He said the appropriate parliamentary procedures would be followed once the motion is formally laid before the House.

“The motion will be laid, and when it is laid, we will have the opportunity to explain to them what they do not understand.”

The development is expected to fuel further political and parliamentary debate over Ghana’s response to drug trafficking, the role of the country’s security agencies and the circumstances surrounding the alleged cocaine seizure outside Ghana.