Habib Iddrisu rejects argument that court cases bar Parliament from investigating drug scandal

The Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has rejected the argument that ongoing court cases should prevent Parliament from investigating Ghana’s alleged role as a drug transit hub. The Tolon MP strongly disagreed with the reasoning attributed to Speaker Alban Bagbin for refusing to admit the Minority’s motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the drug scandal. The Speaker had cited concerns over ongoing investigations by state security agencies and cases already before the courts.

But speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, September 29, Mr Iddrisu said Parliament’s constitutional mandate to investigate should not be displaced by the Standing Orders. “No, I strongly disagree with whether that is actually the reasoning of the speaker, because it’s part of the reason that he has given.” He argued that the provisions of the Constitution should take precedence, particularly Articles 103(3) and 103(6). “But I don’t think that what he actually quoted in our Standing Orders supersedes the provisions in the Constitution and Article 103, particularly when you look at the Constitution Article 103(3) and that of Article 103(6); it made it clear and gave Parliament that power.” Mr Iddrisu pointed to the Speaker’s handling of the Kpandai matter as an example of Parliament acting despite an issue being before the courts.

“For instance, there are matters that have been before the courts, but yet Parliament makes decisions on it.” He said the Kpandai case demonstrated that the existence of court proceedings did not automatically prevent the Speaker from exercising parliamentary authority. “A typical example was when the Speaker read his ruling on the Kpandai matter. Did he say that because the case was in court, he was not going to do any ruling whether Martin Nyidam leaves his seat or not?

He went ahead to do what he has to do as a Speaker.” The Minority’s motion followed concerns over major cocaine seizures linked to Ghana and allegations that the country was becoming a transit point for illicit drugs. The Minority had recalled Parliament to demand scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the seizures and Ghana’s role in the international drug trade. However, the Speaker rejected the motion, relying heavily on Standing Order 101(3)(F), which restricts motions relating to matters before the courts where parliamentary acti…

The Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has challenged Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to reject a Minority motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana. The Tolon MP says Parliament can exercise its constitutional oversight powers even when related matters are before the courts. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, September 29, he strongly disagreed with the argument that a parliamentary inquiry could prejudice ongoing court proceedings.

He said allowing the inquiry to proceed could prejudice the interests of parties before the courts. The motion followed the Minority’s campaign for Parliament to be recalled over a series of major narcotics seizures involving consignments linked to Ghana. The caucus had raised concerns about Ghana potentially being used as a transit point for illegal drugs, particularly after French authorities seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk from a container that had departed Ghana.