Ayariga petitions Speaker to refer Afenyo-Markin to Privileges C’ttee

Background to the petition

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to refer the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the Privileges Committee of Parliament. The petition alleges that Mr. Afenyo-Markin defied a parliamentary resolution that removed him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.

Dispute over ECOWAS representation

According to Mr. Ayariga, the controversy arose when Mr. Afenyo-Markin appeared in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to participate in a session of the ECOWAS Parliament, despite having been officially replaced on Ghana’s delegation.
He explained that the ECOWAS Parliament initially refused to swear in Ghana’s representatives due to Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s presence, leading to a diplomatic standoff. The situation was reportedly resolved only after Ghana threatened to withdraw completely from the ECOWAS Parliament.

Ayariga’s allegations and legal basis

In his petition, submitted on Wednesday, November 11, Mr. Ayariga described Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s actions as a breach of parliamentary privilege and a contempt of Parliament.
He cited Order 31 of Parliament’s Standing Orders, which defines any act or omission that affronts the dignity or authority of Parliament as contempt.

“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,” Mr. Ayariga stated.

Speaker’s response

Speaker Alban Bagbin has acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that he will deliver a ruling on the matter on Wednesday. The decision will determine whether the issue is referred to the Privileges Committee for further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Implications for parliamentary discipline

The case has sparked renewed debate about parliamentary discipline and the enforcement of resolutions within Ghana’s legislature. Observers note that the outcome could set an important precedent regarding how defiance of parliamentary authority is treated, especially among leadership figures within the House.