BY Issah Olegor
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has referred the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to Parliament’s Privileges Committee following a high-stakes complaint filed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
The referral marks a significant escalation in an internal parliamentary dispute that has simmered since the controversial representation at the ECOWAS Parliament earlier this month.
Dispute
Tensions began on November 11, when Mahama Ayariga petitioned the Speaker to take disciplinary action against Afenyo-Markin for allegedly violating a resolution of the House. The resolution had replaced Afenyo-Markin on the delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, a decision taken earlier due to what the Majority Leader described as internal parliamentary restructuring.
Despite the resolution, Afenyo-Markin reportedly traveled to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and appeared before the ECOWAS Parliament as part of the Ghanaian delegation.
The Minority Leader is the 3rd deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
According to Mahama Ayariga, this act triggered a diplomatic embarrassment: ECOWAS initially refused to swear in the entire Ghanaian team because Afenyo-Markin was not the approved representative.
The Majority Leader further alleged that Ghana nearly withdrew completely from the ECOWAS Parliament in protest before the matter was resolved behind closed doors.
Mahama Ayariga’s petition described Afenyo-Markin’s conduct as a “clear breach of parliamentary privilege” and called for immediate disciplinary processes.
Speaker Bagbin’s Decision
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, November 27, Speaker Bagbin affirmed the gravity of the allegations and announced the referral.
“I refer the complaint against the Minority Leader to the Privileges Committee and report to the House,” he declared.
He cautioned all parties—especially Members of Parliament—to refrain from making public comments while the Committee conducts its work. Bagbin stressed professionalism, urging the Privileges Committee to handle the matter with fairness and decorum.
“I urge the Committee to discharge its mandate with decorum and impartiality. I urge MPs to refrain from public commentary,” he added.
Next Steps for the Privileges Committee
The case now lies with the Privileges Committee, which is mandated to investigate issues of misconduct, disrespect, or violations of parliamentary rules.
The Committee will examine whether Afenyo-Markin willfully defied the House’s decision and whether his actions constitute contempt of Parliament.
Depending on its findings, the Committee may recommend sanctions, ranging from a reprimand to suspension, or refer the matter back to the full House for further action.
