Afenyo-Markin Contempt Referral: ACEPA Dr Rasheed Draman Awaits Ghana Parliament Privileges Committee Outcome

Introduction

In the dynamic world of Ghanaian politics, the Afenyo-Markin contempt referral has captured significant attention. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, identified as the Minority Leader, faces a probe by Parliament’s Privileges Committee following allegations of defying a formal resolution. This case stems from his participation in an ECOWAS Parliament session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from September 25 to 28, 2025, despite being withdrawn from the delegation.

Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, voiced his keen interest in the outcome during an appearance on PleasureNews’ The Pulse on November 27, 2025. Dr. Draman described the matter as a critical test for parliamentary accountability in Ghana. This article delves into the details, providing a pedagogical breakdown of the Ghana Parliament contempt case, its procedural implications, and expert perspectives to help readers understand the intricacies of legislative oversight.

Background on the ECOWAS Parliament Delegation Controversy

The controversy ignited when Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga accused Afenyo-Markin of ignoring Parliament’s directive. Ghana’s Parliament had passed a resolution explicitly removing him from the delegation, yet he attended the session. Such actions raise questions about adherence to Standing Orders of Parliament and the supremacy of legislative decisions.

Keywords like Afenyo-Markin ECOWAS defiance and Privileges Committee probe are trending as stakeholders monitor developments, underscoring the need for transparency in regional parliamentary engagements.

Analysis

The Afenyo-Markin contempt referral exemplifies tensions within Ghana’s 9th Parliament, highlighting the enforcement of disciplinary mechanisms. Dr. Rasheed Draman’s analysis emphasizes the Privileges Committee’s pivotal role under Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers it to investigate breaches of privilege, contempt, or offenses against Parliament.

Role of the Privileges Committee in Ghana Parliament

The Privileges Committee, chaired by a senior member, reviews citations for contempt. Contempt includes actions that obstruct parliamentary proceedings or undermine its authority, such as disregarding resolutions. Historical precedents show the committee summoning witnesses, hearing defenses, and recommending sanctions like suspension or censure.

Dr. Draman noted on The Pulse, “We are at a point where the Privileges Committee has kicked in. I am looking forward to the outcome… I am looking forward to what this committee is going to do.” This reflects broader concerns about consistency in applying rules.

Dr. Draman’s Perspective on Parliamentary Accountability

As ACEPA boss, Dr. Draman’s expertise stems from years advocating for stronger legislative institutions across Africa. He views this case as a litmus test: Will the committee uphold constitutional integrity, or will it mirror past leniency? His comments pedagogically illustrate how such referrals maintain the balance of power, preventing executive or individual overreach.

Analyzing the political context, the accusation by Majority Leader Ayariga points to partisan divides, yet the Speaker urged members to prioritize the House’s integrity, signaling a push for bipartisanship.

Summary

To summarize the Afenyo-Markin Ghana Parliament case: Afenyo-Markin was referred for contempt after attending the ECOWAS Parliament despite withdrawal. Dr. Rasheed Draman of ACEPA is monitoring the Privileges Committee’s probe, expressing optimism tempered by historical inconsistencies. Published on November 27, 2025, by Life Pulse Daily, this development underscores ongoing debates on contempt of Parliament in Ghana.

In essence, the case tests enforcement of Standing Orders, with Dr. Draman predicting a potentially divided committee but hoping for a principled resolution that bolsters public trust in Parliament.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For parliamentary observers, journalists, and aspiring legislators, navigating cases like the Afenyo-Markin contempt referral requires understanding procedures. Here’s practical guidance:

Monitoring Privileges Committee Proceedings

Track official Parliament Hansards and press releases on parliament.gh. Attend public hearings if scheduled, as they offer insights into evidence and arguments.

Understanding Standing Orders

Review Order 95 on privileges and Order 33 on committees. Delegates must adhere to resolutions; deviations invite scrutiny. MPs should document compliance to preempt referrals.

Engaging with Regional Bodies like ECOWAS Parliament

When representing Ghana in ECOWAS, confirm delegation status via Speaker’s office. This prevents ECOWAS Parliament delegation controversies and ensures alignment with national directives.

Students of political science can use this case study to analyze accountability: Simulate committee deliberations in mock parliaments to grasp dynamics.

Points of Caution

Dr. Draman cautioned against Parliament’s track record: “Over the years, other people have flouted the Standing Orders… and we never heard anything. That’s almost like, if you want to kill the subject, you take it there.” Key cautions include:

• Inconsistency Risk: Past cases vanished post-referral, eroding credibility.
• Partisan Division: Committee likely split along party lines (NPP vs. NDC).
• Public Perception: Prolonged silence could fuel cynicism about Ghana parliamentary accountability.
• Precedent Setting: Leniency might encourage future defiance of resolutions.

Stakeholders should advocate for time-bound probes to mitigate these issues.

Comparison

Comparing the Afenyo-Markin case to precedents reveals patterns. In 2017, MP Kennedy Agyapong faced a Privileges Committee referral for inflammatory remarks but received a mild reprimand. Similarly, 2021 saw unpublicized outcomes for procedural breaches.

Vs. Historical Contempt Cases

| Case | Year | Outcome | Similarity |
|——|——|———|————|
| Afenyo-Markin ECOWAS | 2025 | Pending | Defiance of resolution |
| Agyapong Remarks | 2017 | Reprimand | Privilege breach |
| Various Flouts | Ongoing | Unresolved | Committee burial |

Unlike resolved cases, many referrals like those Dr. Draman referenced languish, contrasting with robust Commonwealth models (e.g., UK’s Standards Committee). This Ghana Privileges Committee comparison highlights needs for reform.

Legal Implications

Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 103) and Standing Orders, contempt of Parliament carries serious legal weight. Proven cases may result in imprisonment up to three months, fines, or suspension, as per Order 95. Afenyo-Markin’s referral invokes these provisions directly.

Constitutional Framework

Article 124 mandates ECOWAS compliance, but national Parliament supersedes via resolutions. Defiance constitutes contempt, enforceable judicially if needed. No speculation: Outcomes depend on committee findings, potentially appealable to Supreme Court under Article 2 (enforcement of Constitution).

This framework ensures legal implications of contempt referral deter undermining legislative authority.

Conclusion

The Afenyo-Markin contempt referral remains a focal point for Ghana Parliament watchers. Dr. Rasheed Draman’s anticipation of the Privileges Committee outcome underscores its role in fortifying democratic institutions. By addressing inconsistencies, Parliament can enhance accountability, setting a precedent for future ECOWAS engagements and beyond.

As the probe unfolds, it serves as an educational cornerstone on legislative discipline, urging all to prioritize constitutional fidelity over partisanship.

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