Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has accused Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of contempt of Parliament and is calling for his referral to the Privileges Committee for disciplinary action.
The allegation arises from Afenyo-Markin’s participation in the ECOWAS Parliament session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from September 25 to 28, 2025, despite his removal from Ghana’s official delegation to the regional body.
Raising the matter in Parliament on Tuesday, Ayariga cited Order 31(O) of the Standing Orders, which describes contempt as any act or omission that affronts the dignity or authority of Parliament or brings its name into disrepute.
He argued that by attending the session after being excluded, the Minority Leader had “clearly affronted the authority of Parliament” and must be held accountable.
Ayariga recalled that Parliament, on July 22, 2025, passed a resolution affirming Ghana’s representation to the ECOWAS Parliament — a resolution that expressly excluded Afenyo-Markin. The decision, he said, was formally communicated to ECOWAS.
“When our delegation arrived in Port Harcourt, they found the Honourable Alexander Afenyo-Markin already seated and refusing to step aside as directed by this Parliament,” Ayariga recounted.
“His action led to ECOWAS initially refusing to swear in Ghana’s delegation until the issue was resolved,” he added.
The Majority Leader stressed that the Minority Leader’s conduct violated the authority of Parliament and undermined its institutional integrity.
“Any act that affronts the authority of Parliament or tends to bring its name into disrepute constitutes contempt. It is time the Honourable Afenyo-Markin is put in his proper place.”
He urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer the issue to the Privileges Committee for investigation and possible sanctions.
“I rise to make a formal complaint of contempt of Parliament and breach of privilege, and urge you, Mr Speaker, to refer Honourable Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for necessary action,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has confirmed receipt of the petition against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and announced that his ruling on the matter will be delivered on Wednesday.
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