By Prince Ahenkorah
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reportedly attended the ECOWAS Parliament session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from September 25 to 28, 2025, even though he had been officially removed from Ghana’s delegation to the regional body.
His action has sparked outrage from the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who has accused him of contempt of Parliament and is urging that he be referred to the Privileges Committee for disciplinary measures.
Raising the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, Ayariga cited Order 31(O) of the Standing Orders, which defines contempt as any act that undermines Parliament’s dignity, authority, or reputation.
He argued that by attending the ECOWAS session despite being excluded, the Minority Leader had defied the authority of Parliament and must be held accountable.
Ayariga reminded the House that Parliament had, on July 22, 2025, approved a resolution determining Ghana’s representation to the ECOWAS Parliament, a list that specifically left out Afenyo-Markin. The decision, he said, was officially conveyed to ECOWAS.
However, when Ghana’s delegation arrived in Port Harcourt, they found Afenyo-Markin already seated and refusing to vacate his place, a situation that reportedly caused ECOWAS to delay swearing in the new delegation until the matter was settled.
The Majority Leader maintained that the Minority Leader’s conduct disrespected Parliament and weakened its institutional credibility.
“Any action that challenges Parliament’s authority or tarnishes its image amounts to contempt. It’s time the Honourable Afenyo-Markin is called to order,” Ayariga insisted.
He therefore appealed to Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee for further investigation and possible sanctions.
“I make a formal complaint of contempt and breach of privilege, and respectfully urge you, Mr. Speaker, to refer Honourable Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for the necessary action,” Ayairiga said.