The controversy surrounds Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who’s being cited for contempt of Parliament by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. Here’s what happened:
– The Incident: Parliament passed a resolution on July 22, 2025, removing Afenyo-Markin from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.
– Defiance: Despite this, Afenyo-Markin attended the ECOWAS Parliament session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from September 25 to 28, 2025.
– Consequences: This led to the ECOWAS Parliament initially refusing to swear in Ghana’s delegation, until Ayariga intervened and threatened Ghana’s withdrawal.
– Contempt Charges: Ayariga has filed a complaint with Speaker Alban Bagbin, citing Order 31(O) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, which defines contempt as any act that affronts Parliament’s dignity or authority.
– Next Steps: The Speaker will review the complaint and decide whether to refer Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for investigation and possible sanctions.
