Afenyo-Markin Faces Contempt Charge in Ghana Parliament for Defying ECOWAS Delegation Directive

In a dramatic turn in Ghanaian politics, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is accused of contempt of Parliament for attending an ECOWAS Parliament session despite an explicit exclusion from Ghana’s official delegation. This incident highlights tensions between parliamentary authority and individual actions by lawmakers. Discover the facts, legal basis, and broader context of this Afenyo-Markin contempt charge.

Introduction

Ghana’s Parliament is at the center of controversy as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga files a formal complaint against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for defying Parliament’s directive on ECOWAS representation. The allegation stems from Afenyo-Markin’s presence at the ECOWAS Parliament consultation in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from September 25 to 28, 2025. Despite Parliament’s July 22, 2025, resolution explicitly excluding him from Ghana’s delegation—a decision communicated to ECOWAS—he participated, leading to delays in the swearing-in of the official team.

This case underscores the importance of parliamentary Standing Orders in Ghana, particularly Order 31(O), which defines contempt as any act obstructing Parliament’s authority or dignity. As calls grow for referral to the Privileges Committee, this event raises questions about accountability among Ghana’s top lawmakers.

Analysis

The Afenyo-Markin ECOWAS defiance unfolded against the backdrop of Ghana’s active role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament. ECOWAS, established in 1975, promotes economic integration and regional stability across 15 West African nations. Its Parliament, a consultative body, includes representatives nominated by member states’ legislatures.

Timeline of Events

On July 22, 2025, Ghana’s Parliament adopted a resolution designating its delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, deliberately omitting Afenyo-Markin. This decision was formally relayed to ECOWAS authorities. However, upon arriving in Port Harcourt for the September 25-28 consultation, the Ghanaian delegation discovered Afenyo-Markin already present and unwilling to vacate his seat, as recounted by Ayariga.

Ayariga’s Arguments

Mahama Ayariga, speaking on Tuesday in Parliament, invoked Order 31(O) of the Standing Orders. This rule states: “Contempt of Parliament is committed by any person who affronts the authority or dignity of Parliament or who brings its name into disrepute.” Ayariga argued that Afenyo-Markin’s actions not only violated this but also caused ECOWAS to initially withhold swearing-in the legitimate delegation until resolved.

Parliamentary Roles Involved

In Ghana’s unicameral Parliament, the Majority Leader (typically from the ruling party) coordinates government business, while the Minority Leader (from the opposition) represents the opposition’s interests. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, as Minority Leader, holds significant influence, making this defiance particularly notable. Speaker Alban Bagbin now faces pressure to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee, which investigates breaches of privilege and contempt.

Summary

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has accused Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of contempt of Parliament for attending the ECOWAS Parliament consultation in Nigeria despite exclusion from Ghana’s official delegation. Citing Order 31(O), Ayariga detailed how Afenyo-Markin’s refusal to leave delayed proceedings and urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to involve the Privileges Committee. Published on November 11, 2025, this development tests Parliament’s enforcement of its directives on ECOWAS representation Ghana.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Ghanaian Members of Parliament (MPs) navigating parliamentary procedures Ghana, adherence to resolutions is paramount. Here’s pedagogical guidance:

Steps to Avoid Contempt Charges

1. Review Standing Orders: Familiarize with Order 31(O) and related rules on privileges. The full Standing Orders are available on the Parliament of Ghana website.

2. Confirm Delegations: Before international engagements like ECOWAS sessions, verify official nominations via parliamentary records.

3. Seek Clarification: If excluded, consult the Speaker or Clerk rather than acting unilaterally.

4. Document Communications: Ensure all directives, such as the July 22 resolution, are properly minuted and shared with bodies like ECOWAS.

For Aspiring Lawmakers

Understanding the Privileges Committee’s role—investigating complaints and recommending sanctions like suspension—prevents missteps. Training sessions by Parliament often cover these, promoting institutional integrity.

Points of Caution

Defying parliamentary directives risks severe repercussions under Ghana’s framework. Key cautions include:

• Institutional Damage: Actions like Afenyo-Markin’s can erode public trust in Parliament, as they appear to prioritize personal involvement over collective decisions.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Delays in ECOWAS proceedings harm Ghana’s regional standing.
• Precedent Setting: Unchecked defiance could encourage similar breaches, weakening Standing Orders enforcement.
• Personal Liability: Contempt findings may lead to censure, suspension, or fines, affecting political careers.

MPs must weigh individual ambitions against Parliament’s authority to maintain democratic norms.

Comparison

This incident echoes prior parliamentary disputes in Ghana. For instance, past referrals to the Privileges Committee have addressed similar defiance, such as unauthorized absences or procedural lapses during the 8th Parliament. Unlike those, the Afenyo-Markin case involves international representation, amplifying stakes due to ECOWAS protocols.

Domestic vs. Regional Contexts

Domestically, contempt often involves speech or disruptions; here, it’s tied to external diplomacy. Comparatively, Kenya’s Parliament has seen contempt charges for defying delegation rules in the East African Legislative Assembly, showing a regional pattern where legislatures protect nomination integrity.

Legal Implications

Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 103), Parliament regulates its procedures via Standing Orders. Order 31(O) explicitly defines contempt, empowering the House to act. The Privileges Committee, per Order 95, probes such matters and reports for plenary decisions.

Potential Outcomes

If upheld, sanctions could include apology, suspension, or admonishment—verifiable from past cases like the 2021 contempt ruling against MP Muntaka Mubarak. No criminal liability attaches directly, as it’s an internal parliamentary matter, distinct from court contempt. Ayariga’s motion seeks investigation, not immediate penalty.

This reinforces Parliament’s autonomy, ensuring ECOWAS delegation Ghana aligns with national consensus.

Conclusion

The Afenyo-Markin contempt charge exemplifies the delicate balance of authority in Ghana’s Parliament. By defying the ECOWAS directive, the Minority Leader sparked a debate on obedience to institutional decisions. As the Privileges Committee potentially weighs in, this case serves as a reminder of Standing Orders’ role in upholding dignity. Stakeholders await Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, which could set precedents for future parliamentary defiance Ghana. Ultimately, it promotes stronger adherence to procedures, benefiting democratic governance and regional cooperation.

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