Patricia Appiagyei Rejects ECOWAS Nomination, Slams Process as Politically Divisive

Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally rejected her nomination to Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, criticizing the decision as both procedurally flawed and politically divisive.

In a memo dated July 22 and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Madam Appiagyei expressed strong disapproval over the move to name her as a replacement for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin without her knowledge or consent. She described the development as “deeply troubling” and warned it could deepen cracks within the Minority Caucus.

“There was an understanding by leadership that the Minority Leader would remain on the ECOWAS Parliament delegation, as communicated to the Committee of Selection,” she noted. “It is therefore deeply troubling that a contrary nomination was advanced on the floor without consultation.”

Afenyo-Markin, who was sworn in last year as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, still holds a valid mandate under ECOWAS protocols, which guarantee a four-year term to members. Madam Appiagyei stressed that none of the conditions for removal — such as resignation, Executive appointment, judicial appointment, or ineligibility — apply to him.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts to boost female representation in regional bodies, she cautioned against using gender inclusion as a smokescreen for political maneuvering.

“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she emphasized.

Madam Appiagyei has requested that her name be formally withdrawn from the resolution and urged Parliament to reverse the decision. She called for the maintenance of the original list of nominees — Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, and Bryan Acheampong.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate that I do not intend to accept the offer made to me by the House, and by this memo, I am refusing to be part of such a delegation,” she concluded. “I pray that the Clerk to Parliament does not communicate any such resolution to ECOWAS Parliament that includes my name.”