Afenyo-Markin defiant amid ECOWAS row – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The Afenyo‑Markin defiant amid ECOWAS row has become one of the most closely watched political developments in West Africa in 2025. Ghana’s Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, continues to assert his right to serve the full term as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament despite a parliamentary petition that seeks his removal. This article unpacks the key events, the constitutional backdrop, and the practical implications for legislators, journalists, and citizens following the dispute.

Key Points

Background

Context of Ghana’s Participation in ECOWAS

Ghana joined the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1973 and has long been an active participant in the bloc’s legislative and executive organs. The ECOWAS Parliament, established in 2000, consists of 15 member states, each appointing a delegation that includes a President, a First Deputy Speaker, a Second Deputy Speaker, and several Deputy Speakers. Ghana’s delegation traditionally includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs and several elected parliamentarians.

Recent Legislative Developments in Ghana

After the 2024 general elections, Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) retained a parliamentary majority, while the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds the minority benches. Within this composition, Alexander Afenyo‑Markin was nominated and elected to the position of Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament for a term that expires in April 2028.

The Trigger Event

The dispute escalated when the ECOWAS Parliament, meeting in Port Harcourt, decided not to swear in Ghana’s new delegation after a procedural disagreement regarding the order of swearing‑in. Ghanaian officials interpreted the action as a snub aimed at Afenyo‑Markin, prompting the majority leadership to lodge a formal complaint.

Analysis

Legal Foundations of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Term

Article 13 of the ECOWAS Treaty stipulates that members of the ECOWAS Parliament shall serve for a fixed term, and removal before expiry must be decided by a two‑thirds majority vote of the Parliament itself. The treaty also guarantees that a member’s seat cannot be revoked by a unilateral national parliamentary resolution. Consequently, Afenyo‑Markin’s claim that his office is constitutionally protected under regional law aligns with the treaty’s text.

Domestic Parliamentary Procedure and the Privileges Committee

In Ghana, the Privileges Committee is empowered to examine breaches of parliamentary privilege and to recommend sanctions. However, the committee’s jurisdiction is limited to matters arising within Ghana’s own parliamentary precincts. Critics argue that extending its remit to evaluate a regional parliamentary appointment exceeds its constitutional scope, raising questions about the separation of powers between national and supranational bodies.

Political Ramifications for Ghana‑ECOWAS Relations

The standoff has potential diplomatic consequences. Ghana’s threat to withdraw from the ECOWAS legislative framework, if carried out, would signal a major shift in Accra’s regional engagement. Analysts note that such a move could weaken Ghana’s influence in ECOWAS peace‑keeping missions and trade negotiations, while also emboldening other member states to question the bloc’s institutional cohesion.

Media and Public Reaction

Local media outlets have framed the episode as a “defiant showdown” between a senior opposition figure and the ruling party’s leadership. Public opinion polls conducted in December 2025 indicate that a majority of Ghanaians view the dispute as an internal party matter, yet a sizable minority expresses concern over the possible erosion of Ghana’s standing in ECOWAS.

Practical Advice

For Journalists Covering the Issue

1. Verify primary sources: Obtain official statements from the Ghanaian Parliament’s press releases, the ECOWAS Secretariat, and the transcripts of the parliamentary debate.

2. Contextualize legal provisions: Explain the relevant articles of the ECOWAS Treaty and Ghana’s Constitution to help readers understand why the dispute hinges on treaty law rather than domestic party politics.

3. Avoid sensationalism: Use neutral language such as “asserts his right” rather than “defiantly refuses,” which can influence perception.

For policymakers and legislators

1. Engage in dialogue: Initiate a bilateral discussion between Ghana’s parliamentary leadership and the ECOWAS Parliament Secretariat to clarify procedural misunderstandings.

2. Review domestic rules: Ensure that Ghana’s parliamentary standing orders do not conflict with regional treaty obligations, especially concerning the appointment of treaty‑based officers.

3. Preserve institutional stability: Advise against using parliamentary committees to intervene in matters that fall under supranational jurisdiction, to prevent constitutional overreach.

For the general public

1. Follow reputable news outlets: Rely on outlets that provide balanced coverage and cite official documents.

2. Participate in civic discourse: Attend town‑hall meetings or submit written inquiries to your local representatives about Ghana’s continued participation in ECOWAS.

3. Monitor developments: Keep an eye on announcements from the ECOWAS Secretariat and the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates on the dispute’s resolution.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Afenyo‑Markin defiant amid ECOWAS row illustrates the complex interplay between national parliamentary politics and supranational treaty obligations. While Afenyo‑Markin maintains that his regional appointment is protected under ECOWAS law, Ghanaian authorities have invoked domestic parliamentary procedures to question his continued service. The resolution of this dispute will not only determine the fate of a single deputy speaker but also set a precedent for how member states navigate the delicate balance between sovereign decision‑making and collective regional governance. Stakeholders — including legislators, journalists, and citizens — must remain informed and engaged, ensuring that any action taken respects both national constitutional principles and the legal framework of the Economic Community of West African States.