Afenyo-Markin returns to ECOWAS Parliament after Appiagyei steps aside, bolsters Ghana’s voice in regional legislature.
Parliament is expected to today, Tuesday, June 23, reinstate Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin as a member of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, following the decision by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei to step aside from the delegation. The move paves the way for the experienced parliamentarian to return to the regional legislative body where he previously served during his tenure as Deputy Majority Leader under former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. According to Parliament’s Order Paper, the eight-member delegation is led by Hon. George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan and includes Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Hon. Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Hon. Eric Afful, Hon. Dominic Napare, Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Hon. Bryan Acheampong, and Hon. Millicent Yeboah Amankwah. Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s return is expected to bolster Ghana’s representation at the ECOWAS Parliament, given his extensive parliamentary experience and familiarity with the workings of the regional body. His earlier attendance at the inauguration of the current ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria, became the subject of controversy after the institution initially declined to swear in Ghana’s full delegation, a situation that prompted intervention from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. Although the matter was subsequently referred to Parliament’s Privileges Committee for investigation, the outcome has yet to be made public. With Hon. Patricia Appiagyei’s decision creating a vacancy, Parliament’s decision to nominate Hon. Afenyo-Markin is seen as a practical step toward strengthening Ghana’s voice within ECOWAS and ensuring effective representation in the sub-regional legislature.
