The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has been petitioned to refer the Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, to the Privileges Committee for allegedly defying a parliamentary resolution that removed him from Ghana’s delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.
The petition was filed by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, during proceedings on Tuesday. Mr. Ayariga told Parliament that the ECOWAS Parliament initially refused to swear in Ghana’s delegation after Mr. Afenyo-Markin appeared in Port Harcourt despite his replacement on the team. He added that the issue was only resolved after Ghana threatened to withdraw entirely from the regional body.
Describing Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s actions as a breach of parliamentary privilege, Mr. Ayariga called for disciplinary action. He cited Order 31, which states that any act or omission that affronts the dignity and authority of Parliament constitutes contempt and a breach of parliamentary privileges. By attending the ECOWAS session despite his removal, Mr. Afenyo-Markin had affronted Parliament’s authority.
Speaker Bagbin, acknowledging the petition, said he would deliver a ruling on the matter in due course.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin was elected the 3rd Deputy Speaker of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament in April last year after actively participating in parliamentary affairs both domestically and regionally. His election followed extensive lobbying, with Cabo Verde vying for a position but ultimately losing out due to financial obligations to the ECOWAS bloc.
The petition now sets the stage for a parliamentary decision on whether Mr. Afenyo-Markin breached parliamentary rules and warrants disciplinary action.
BY ARCTON-TETTEY
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