PARLIAMENT RECONSTITUTES GHANA’S ECOWAS DELEGATION; AFENYO-MARKIN RETURNS TO REGIONAL PARLIAMENT

Parliament has adopted a motion to reconstitute Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, paving the way for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to return to the regional legislative body.

The decision follows the rejection of a nomination by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, who was expected to replace Mr Afenyo-Markin. She reportedly declined the nomination, citing a lack of consultation and alleged procedural irregularities in the selection process.

The controversy began after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin referred Mr Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee following a petition by former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.

Mr Ayariga had accused the Minority Leader of disregarding a parliamentary resolution that removed him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.

The disagreement subsequently affected Ghana’s representation at the regional body, with reports indicating that the ECOWAS Parliament declined to swear in the reconstituted delegation.

The situation followed Mr Afenyo-Markin’s appearance at proceedings in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, despite his reported replacement. He currently serves as the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The impasse was eventually resolved after Ghana threatened to withdraw completely from the regional legislative body.

Under the newly adopted motion, the reconstituted Ghanaian delegation will be led by George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan.

The members of the delegation are:

1. George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan – Leader

2. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah – Member

3. Laadi Ayii Ayamba (Hajia) – Member

4. Eric Afful – Member

5. Dominic Napare – Member

6. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin – Member

7. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi – Member

8. Bryan Acheampong – Member

9. Millicent Yeboah Amankwah – Observer