Speaker refers Afenyo-Markin to privileges committee for contempt

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has cited Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for contempt and referred him to the Privileges Committee, following what the Speaker says is the MP’s repeated defiance of a formal decision removing him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.

Delivering the ruling in the House on Wednesday, November 27, the Speaker said the Minority Leader’s alleged refusal to comply with Parliament’s directive amounts to undermining the authority and mandate of the institution.

The dispute centres on the composition of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, with Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused of failing to relinquish his role and continuing to participate in the regional body’s activities despite the House’s decision.

Under Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders, contempt includes any act or omission that obstructs or affronts the dignity of Parliament or its committees. The Speaker noted that the Minority Leader’s conduct meets this threshold, prompting one of Parliament’s most serious disciplinary procedures.

The matter will now be investigated by the Privileges Committee, chaired by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor. The committee will examine the facts, take evidence from all parties, including Mr. Afenyo-Markin and submit its recommendations to the full House for a final decision.