Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has forcefully rejected attempts to remove him from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, declaring he will retain his seat and role as 3rd Deputy Speaker until his tenure lawfully ends in April 2028.
The declaration follows his referral to Parliament’s Privileges Committee for allegedly attending an ECOWAS Parliamentary meeting despite not being part of Ghana’s official delegation.
“The Minority Leader’s seat at ECOWAS is not one that can be removed,” Afenyo-Markin told the House before it adjourned on Friday, December 19.
“You can remove the Chief Justice, you can remove others who are political appointees, but not his bonafide right as a Member of ECOWAS Parliament… he shall remain until April 2028.”
The controversy stems from a Parliamentary resolution passed on July 22, 2025, which affirmed Ghana’s delegation to the regional body and explicitly excluded the Effutu MP.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin referred Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee on November 27 after the Minority Leader attended an ECOWAS session.
The referral was initiated by Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who cited the Minority Leader for contempt.
Ayariga argued that Afenyo-Markin’s actions “clearly affronted the authority of Parliament” by disregarding its resolution, which he stated was formally communicated to ECOWAS.
In a robust defense, Afenyo-Markin asserted that the ECOWAS Parliament itself had rejected the resolution seeking his removal.
He urged the Privileges Committee to dismiss the complaint, calling it without merit.
“The Minority Leader has not disrespected any order of this House,” he stated. “It is our prayer that the… Committee will resist all temptations at being pushed to do that which is never done in any democracy.”
The matter now rests with the Privileges Committee as Parliament has begun its recess.