Afenyo-Markin Stands Firm in ECOWAS Dispute

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has firmly stated his intention to complete his term as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, despite a formal complaint seeking his removal.

The complaint was filed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee. Ayariga alleges that the Minority Leader defied a parliamentary resolution aimed at removing him from Ghana’s delegation to the regional parliament.

The situation escalated in November during the ECOWAS Parliament’s session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The parliament initially declined to swear in Ghana’s new delegation due to Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s presence.

Sources indicate that Ghana responded with a threat to withdraw from the ECOWAS Parliament altogether, leading to a resolution of the impasse and the swearing-in of the delegation. However, the underlying tensions remained unresolved upon the return of Parliament to Ghana.

Speaker Bagbin has tasked the Privileges Committee with investigating the matter, and has urged Members of Parliament to avoid public statements until the committee delivers its findings.

Undeterred, Afenyo-Markin, during Parliament’s adjournment, publicly contested the complaint’s validity and asserted his right to continue in office until his term ends in April 2028. “May we return in the new year with the renewed energy, clearer purpose and deeper commitment to serving the people who sent us here and hoping that the honourable First Deputy Speaker will resist the temptation of hauling the Minority Leader before a so-called Privileges Committee,” he stated.

He further emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his mandate. “The Minority Leader will insist on his rights on serving his full term as a Third Deputy Speaker at the ECOWAS Parliament. Therefore, it is our prayer that the First Deputy Speaker and his committee will resist all temptations at being pushed to do that which is never done in any democracy,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin dismissed claims of insubordination, asserting that the ECOWAS Parliament itself had rejected the resolution seeking his removal. “The Minority Leader has not disrespected any order of this House. Indeed, the ECOWAS Parliament rejected outrightly the resolution that sought to remove the Minority Leader from his seat as an ECOWAS MP,” he declared.

He drew a distinction between his elected position and political appointments, arguing that his tenure is secure under the rules of the ECOWAS Parliament. “You can remove the Chief Justice, you can remove others who are political appointees, but not his bona fide right as a member of ECOWAS Parliament and a Third Deputy Speaker. He shall remain until April 2028 when his tenure comes to an end,” he insisted.

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