Extortion Allegation: 'It's disturbing but let's allow OSP, court to work' - Agalga

Incoming Majority Leader James Agalga has called for calm amid allegations of extortion against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, saying the courts and relevant state institutions should resolve the matter. According to the Builsa North MP, the allegations are serious and should not be dismissed, but he believes public exchanges between the parties could undermine processes already underway. link Minority Caucus set to meet over 'extortion' allegations - Reporttext Speaking on Joy News' PM Express on Monday, August 24, 2026, Agalga said he would not comment on the substance of the allegations because the matter is already in court. “I do not want to delve into the merits or otherwise of the allegations made because the Minority Leader hinted that he had actually initiated some suits, you know, in respect of this same matter, and, therefore, as a lawyer, I would not want to delve into the merits,” he said. Agalga also disclosed that he was aware of petitions submitted by some individuals to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in connection with the allegations. The OSP has acknowledged receiving the matter and said preliminary investigations have commenced. Against this backdrop, Agalga said all parties should exercise restraint and allow the appropriate institutions to do their work. “I think that the appropriate institutions of state, law enforcement, etc., have invoked their powers. So, I think that we should wait and see. Let’s adopt a wait-and-see approach,” he said. He further appealed to both sides to lower the temperature surrounding the matter, arguing that a temporary halt in the public back-and-forth would allow the legal and investigative processes to proceed without unnecessary interference. “But for now, I think that we need to allow cool heads to prevail and let there be a ceasefire for now,” he said. Agalga noted that while Afenyo-Markin had resorted to the courts to protect his rights, other parties had also turned to state institutions with their concerns. “So, let’s see, when invitations are extended to the parties involved, they may unravel certain things that should be of interest to all of us. Allegations carry a lot of weight," he said. Asked whether the allegations were serious enough to affect the reputation of Parliament, Agalga acknowledged that the claims were troubling. “Well, it’s quite disturbing, to be very frank with you. So those allegations carry a lot of weight,” he said. He suggested that the seriousness of the claims may have influenced Afenyo-Markin’s decision to seek legal redress. “I guess that is why the minority leader himself has found it necessary to take out writs before the law courts,” he said. Agalga was also asked whether Parliament should independently investigate the allegations, particularly because they concern the office of the Minority Leader and have reportedly been copied to the Speaker. He said he was unsure whether the Speaker had formally received the petition but expressed confidence that the matter would be addressed if and when it reaches him. “I’m not too sure whether the Speaker has been officially served, but knowing who the 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,” he said. NA/VPO Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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