Osahen Afenyo-Markin reinstated to Ghana’s delegation to ECOWAS Parliament

Parliament has approved a motion to reconstitute Ghana's delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, clearing the way for Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin to return as a member of the regional legislative body.

The decision follows the refusal of Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei to accept her nomination as a replacement for Osahen Afenyo-Markin, citing a lack of consultation and alleged procedural irregularities in the selection process.

The controversy arose after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin referred Osahen Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee following a petition by former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who accused him of disregarding a parliamentary resolution that removed him from Ghana's ECOWAS delegation.

The disagreement also affected Ghana's representation at the regional parliament, with reports indicating that the ECOWAS Parliament declined to swear in the reconstituted delegation after Osahen Afenyo-Markin, who serves as the body's Third Deputy Speaker, attended proceedings in Port Harcourt despite having been replaced.

The impasse was eventually resolved following Ghana's threat to withdraw completely from the regional legislative institution.

Under the newly adopted arrangement, Ghana's delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament will comprise George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan as Leader, with Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Eric Afful, Dominic Napare and Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin serving as members.

The other members are Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Bryan Acheampong and Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, who will serve as an observer.