Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to refer Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for allegedly defying a parliamentary resolution that removed him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.
In a petition submitted to the Speaker on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Ayariga alleged that the ECOWAS Parliament initially refused to swear in Ghana’s new delegation after Mr. Afenyo-Markin appeared in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, despite his replacement on the team. He revealed that the impasse was only resolved after Ghana threatened to withdraw entirely from the regional body’s parliament.
Mr. Ayariga described the Minority Leader’s conduct as a serious breach of parliamentary privilege and called for disciplinary action. The Majority Leader stated, “I have cited the provision of Order 31, which states that any act or omission which affronts the dignity or authority of Parliament constitutes contempt of Parliament and a breach of parliamentary privileges.” He further elaborated on the alleged breach, stating, “By defying this parliamentary resolution removing him from the ECOWAS delegation and actually going to Port Harcourt to attend the session, he has clearly affronted the dignity and engaged in an act that constitutes an affront to the authority of this Parliament.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has acknowledged receipt of the petition and announced that he will deliver a ruling on the matter on Wednesday.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
