The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has referred the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the Privileges Committee to determine whether his decision to attend a session in the ECOWAS Parliament constitutes contempt of Parliament.
The issue revolves around the parliamentary delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament and Mr Afenyo-Makin’s failure to vacate his position and cease participation in the regional body’s proceedings.
Based on this, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, on November 11, 2025, petitioned the Speaker to cite the Minority Leader for contempt.
Mr Ayariga claimed that the ECOWAS Parliament initially refused to swear in Ghana’s delegation after Afenyo-Markin appeared in Port Harcourt despite his replacement on the team.
He said the issue was only resolved after Ghana threatened to withdraw entirely from the ECOWAS Parliament.
In his petition, Ayariga described Afenyo-Markin’s actions as a breach of parliamentary privilege and called for disciplinary measures.
Proceedings
During today’s proceedings, Mr Bagbin said having reviewed the complaint, the Standing Orders and the governing principles, he was satisfied that the matter, prima facie, implicated the dignity and institutional integrity of the house.
“Pursuant to Order 34(1), I therefore refer the complaint, lodged by the honourable member for Bawku Central and the Majority Leader to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities for examination, inquiry, investigation, and report to the House,” he ruled.
Mr Bagbin directed the committee to ascertain the relevant facts giving rise to the complaint, including the actions taken by the House and by the Member concerned.
He also tasked the committee to review those actions taken within the framework of Parliament’s Standing Orders and the applicable Protocols of the ECOWAS Parliament and determine whether the conduct, if established, constitutes contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege under Orders 30 and 31(O) and make appropriate recommendations to the House for its consideration.
Contempt of Parliament, as defined under Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, includes any act or omission that obstructs, impedes, or affronts the dignity of the House or its committees.
Authority
Mr Bagbin reminded MPs that no matter their political differences, the authority of Parliament rested on a shared commitment to respect its decisions and uphold the integrity of its processes.
He pointed out that democratic experience across the world teaches that institutions endure not by their formal design alone, but by the conduct of those entrusted with them, stressing that “the strength of this House therefore rests not merely in its constitutional design, but in the consistent respect Members accord to its decisions and processes.”
He urged the committee to discharge its mandate with diligence, impartiality, and decorum, ensuring that all parties are given a fair hearing.
“Until the committee completes its inquiry and reports to the House, I advise Hon. Members to refrain from public commentary on this matter, in order to preserve the dignity and unity of this august House,” he stated.
