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Speaker Bagbin Refers Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin to Privileges Committee for Contempt
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cited Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for contempt of Parliament and referred him to the Privileges Committee for further investigation.
The move follows a petition filed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who accused the Minority Leader of defying a parliamentary resolution that removed him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.
Presiding over proceedings on Thursday, November 27, Speaker Bagbin formally announced his decision, stating, “I refer the complaint against the Minority Leader to the Privileges Committee and report to the House.”
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He urged the Committee to conduct its work with strict neutrality and professionalism and cautioned Members of Parliament to exercise restraint while the matter is under consideration. “I urge the Committee to discharge its mandate with decorum and impartiality. I urge MPs to refrain from public commentary,” he said.
Background to the Petition
On November 11, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga submitted a petition requesting the Speaker to refer Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee. Ayariga alleged that Afenyo-Markin breached parliamentary protocol by travelling to Port Harcourt to participate in the ECOWAS Parliament sitting despite being replaced as a member of Ghana’s delegation.
According to Ayariga, the ECOWAS Parliament initially refused to swear in the newly appointed Ghanaian delegation because Afenyo-Markin appeared at the sitting without authorisation. The matter was only resolved after Ghana reportedly threatened to withdraw entirely from the ECOWAS legislative body.
In his petition, Ayariga described the Minority Leader’s actions as a violation of the dignity of Parliament and a breach of parliamentary privilege, insisting that disciplinary measures were necessary to maintain order and institutional respect.
Next Steps
The Privileges Committee is expected to probe the allegations and present its findings to the House. Depending on the outcome, Afenyo-Markin could face sanctions ranging from reprimand to suspension, in accordance with parliamentary procedures.
Parliament awaits the Committee’s report as the matter continues to attract significant public and political interest.
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