The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has lodged a formal complaint against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of tarnishing the name and integrity of Parliament.
In his submission to the Speaker, Mr. Ayariga alleged that the Minority Leader participated in proceedings of the ECOWAS Parliament without official authorization or delegation from the Ghanaian Parliament. He argued that this action breached parliamentary procedure and amounted to contempt of Parliament.
“The conduct of the Honourable Minority Leader, in attending and speaking at the ECOWAS Parliament when he had not been duly delegated by this House, is unacceptable and must not go unexamined,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
He urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer Mr. Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for investigation and, if found culpable, to recommend appropriate sanctions.
Members on the minority side have mounted a strong defense, contending that Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s status as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament remains valid and that he continues to serve as a permanent member of the body.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Speaker Bagbin assured Parliament that he will deliver his ruling on Wednesday, November 12, on whether to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee for further action.