Parliament restores Afenyo-Markin to Ghana’s ECOWAS delegation
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is set to return to Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament after the House approved a motion to reconstitute the country’s representation in the regional legislature. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had also referred Mr Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee following a petition by former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is set to return to Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament after the House approved a motion to reconstitute the country’s representation in the regional legislature.
His reinstatement follows the withdrawal of Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei from the proposed list of nominees to replace him, after she raised concerns about the absence of consultation and alleged irregularities in the selection process.
The latest decision brings an end, at least at the parliamentary level, to a dispute over Ghana’s representation that had threatened to disrupt the country’s participation in the regional body.
The controversy began after Parliament removed Mr Afenyo-Markin from the delegation and nominated a new set of representatives. The Minority Leader, however, continued to assert his position in the ECOWAS Parliament, where he serves as the Third Deputy Speaker.
His appearance at proceedings in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, despite the decision to replace him, reportedly led the ECOWAS Parliament to decline to swear in Ghana’s reconstituted delegation.
The disagreement escalated, with Ghana threatening to withdraw from the regional legislature altogether before the matter was resolved.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had also referred Mr Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee following a petition by former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The petition accused him of disregarding a parliamentary resolution that removed him from the delegation.
Under the newly approved arrangement, the Ghanaian delegation will be led by George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, with Mr Afenyo-Markin included as a member.
The other members are Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Eric Afful, Dominic Napare, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi and Bryan Acheampong. Millicent Yeboah Amankwah will serve as an observer.
The reconstitution is expected to settle the dispute over Ghana’s representation and allow the country’s delegation to resume its work in the ECOWAS Parliament.
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