The Ranking Member on the Defense and Interior Parliamentary Committee says Parliament will probe the alleged assault on Citi FM journalist, Caleb Kudah by the operatives of the National Security.
Speaking on Joy FM, Mr James Agalga stated that he has always been of the opinion to have an independent body investigate accusations levelled against government institutions, especially the security agencies.
According to him, this will ensure that matters regarding transparency and accountability are adequately addressed before the general public.
“You know that I have always declined the conduct of state institutions taking the decision to investigate themselves especially when it has to do with the security apparatus.
“I have always maintained that in the name of transparency and accountability, we need separate institutions of state to investigate the state security apparatus whenever it is accused of certain infractions. So, I wish that we have some independent institution of state taken up this matter. Parliament comes in handy in that regard,” he told Evans Mensah.
In view of that, he reiterated Parliament will hold its own investigation despite the National Security Council Secretariat’s decision to investigate its own operatives.
“So whether the National State Security Council Secretariat itself investigates the manner of arrest of the Citi FM journalists or not, Parliament will not be derelict. We would also carry out our own investigation and establish the truth or otherwise of the allegations that we have all heard and are talking about,” he stated.
His comments follow an account provided by Caleb Kudah claiming that he had been manhandled by operatives of the National Security during an investigation after being accused of filming restricted areas at the National Security premises.
The Ministry of National Security following his account says it has initiated investigations into the alleged assault on the two, Caleb Kudah and Zoe Abu-Baidoo during their arrest and interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Builsa North MP in response to the capability of the Legislature to carry out this initiative, noted that although Parliament has had some bad days, it has also chalked several successes in ensuring justice is served.
He further added that it is imperative for Parliament to be open to the public on some investigations carried out despite their sensitive nature to mend its reputation.
“… I believe that there should be openness with respect to some of the investigations that Parliament and its committees conduct. Oftentimes, we get unnecessary partisan when issues are brought before us for investigations, which in a way has dimed public confidence in Parliament as an organ of government. But we will get there.
“There are a number of times Parliament carried out very important investigations and saved this country a lot of money and actually corrected certain wrongs. But when we chalk success sometimes, not much is talked about our success. Parliament needs to be strengthened admittedly,” he said.
He, however, concluded that Parliament “will do our best in the circumstances” to ensure a thorough investigation on the accusations levelled against the National Security Operatives.
Source:Myjoyonline
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