Afenyo-Markin Removed from ECOWAS Parliament Delegation Amid Leadership Protocol Dispute

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been dropped from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, despite initially being presented as a member of the team by the Minority caucus.

Though Afenyo-Markin currently holds the position of Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, longstanding parliamentary practice in Ghana excludes leaders of the House—such as the Majority and Minority Leaders—from representing the country in sub-regional legislative bodies like the ECOWAS and Pan-African Parliaments.

Traditionally, such delegations are led by the Deputy Majority and Deputy Minority Leaders.

During a session in Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga formally amended the list of Ghanaian MPs nominated for the ECOWAS Parliament. The updated list replaced Afenyo-Markin with Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei.

This move drew strong objection from former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who referenced a precedent where a removed MP defied protocol and participated in the delegation regardless.

In response, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak warned that punitive measures should be considered if Afenyo-Markin attempts a similar defiance.