Parliament Rocked! Extortion Allegations Spark Agalga's Call for Calm & OSP Probe

Incoming Majority Leader James Agalga has urged for calm and a ceasefire amidst the escalating dispute surrounding extortion allegations against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Mr. Agalga, who also serves as the Builsa North MP, emphasized that the serious nature of these claims necessitates that the matter be handled by the appropriate state institutions and legal processes, rather than allowing public allegations and counter-allegations to intensify.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr. Agalga confirmed that several legal and institutional mechanisms have already been activated. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has publicly stated that he has initiated legal action by taking out suits or writs before the law courts to vindicate his rights. Concurrently, some individuals have also petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) regarding the allegations. The OSP has acknowledged these petitions and has already commenced preliminary investigations into the matter, which also involves GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi as mentioned in some reports.

As a lawyer, Mr. Agalga has declined to comment on the merits or demerits of the allegations themselves, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. He stressed the importance of a “wait-and-see approach,” advocating for all parties to allow these formal processes to run their course without interference. “I think that the appropriate institutions of state, law enforcement, etc., have invoked their powers. So I think that we should wait and see,” he stated, adding that allowing cool heads to prevail and a temporary ceasefire is crucial for the courts and state agencies to conduct their investigations peacefully and thoroughly. He anticipates that the outcome of these processes could ultimately determine whether any of the parties involved would be held liable or culpable.

Mr. Agalga acknowledged the profound gravity and disturbing nature of the allegations, particularly given that they involve the office of the Minority Leader and have the potential to significantly impact Parliament's reputation. He suggested that the seriousness of these claims might indeed be the very reason why the Minority Leader found it necessary to pursue legal recourse. He anticipates that as invitations are extended to the involved parties, the investigations may unravel crucial details of interest to all.

When questioned about whether Parliament itself should launch an investigation, especially since the institution has been drawn into the controversy and the allegations concern one of its most important offices, Mr. Agalga indicated that he was not certain if Speaker Alban Bagbin had been officially served with any petition. However, he expressed confidence in the Speaker, stating, “Knowing who Mr Speaker is, I would have no doubts at all that once he gets hold of a petition of that sort, we would know about it.” His call for restraint comes as the dispute, now before the courts and state investigative authorities, increasingly involves the legislative body.