Afenyo-Markin Referred to Privileges Committee For Examination on Grounds of Contempt of Parliament
- The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is in trouble with the Privileges Committee
- Afenyo-Markin has been accused of contempt of Parliament by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga
- The contempt accusations relate to Afenyo-Markin's involvement with an ECOWAS Parliament meeting
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has been referred to the Privileges Committee for investigation on the grounds of contempt of Parliament.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, cited the Minority Leader for contempt of Parliament, because he allegedly defied a resolution passed by Parliament to remove his name as a member of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament meeting in Port Harcourt.
Source: Facebook
In Parliament on November 27, Ayariga urged the Speaker of Parliament to refer him to the Privileges Committee to face possible appropriate sanctions if found guilty.
Contrary to the resolution passed, Afenyo-Markin attended a session of the ECOWAS Parliament.
This has formed the basis of Ayariga's accusation.
“That is why Mr Speaker, I have cited the provisions of Order 31 (o) which says that any act or omission which affronts the dignity or authority of Parliament of Ghana or produces any such effect constitutes contempt of Parliament and a breach of parliamentary privilege."
In July, Afenyo-Markin was removed as the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
This followed a decision by the Parliament of Ghana to reconstitute its delegation.
The newly reconstituted Ghanaian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament is now led by Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, who took over Afenyo-Markin's role, and Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei.
Source: Facebook
The reshuffle has faced criticism, with some accusing the Majority Caucus of acting unilaterally and not consulting the Minority on the changes.
Responding to this, the Majority Leader argued that the decision was in line with parliamentary tradition, which usually assigns ECOWAS parliamentary roles to Deputy Leaders of the House.
About the ECOWAS Parliament
The ECOWAS Parliament is the legislative body of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), representing the people of West Africa.
It serves as a platform for dialogue and consultation on regional integration issues, such as human rights, infrastructure, and social affairs.
Comprising representatives from all 15 ECOWAS member states, the Parliament works to foster integration through dialogue and consensus-building.
The ECOWAS Parliament consists of 115 representatives from these 15 states and includes a Bureau (Speaker and Deputy Speakers) along with several Standing Committees focused on sectors like agriculture, energy, health, and more.
It offers advisory opinions on matters like human rights, infrastructure, and social and cultural issues.
The Parliament is also deeply engaged in discussions and initiatives concerning regional security, economic integration, and social development.
Afenyo Markin preaches
YEN.com.gh also reported that Afenyo-Markin was given a slot at the July 1 National Day of Prayer.
The parliamentarian was supported by many renowned members of the New Patriotic Party during the sermon he gave.
President John Mahama's reaction after Afenyo Markin delivered the sermon caught the attention of many Ghanaians.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
