Minority leader referred to Privileges Committee over ECOWAS attendance

The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament has referred Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee over allegations that he defied a parliamentary resolution by attending a meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Nigeria.

The referral follows a complaint filed by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who accused Mr Afenyo-Markin of contempt after he attended the regional parliamentary session despite being removed from Ghana’s official delegation by the House.

Mr Ayariga told Parliament that a resolution had been passed to drop Mr Afenyo-Markin from the delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament sitting held in Port Harcourt, but the Minority Leader went ahead to participate in the meeting regardless.

“This action, the Majority Leader argued, constituted a breach of parliamentary privilege and amounted to contempt of Parliament.

“That is why Mr Speaker, I have cited the provisions of Order 31 (0) which says that any act or omission which affronts the dignity or authority of Parliament of Ghana or produces any such effect constitutes contempt of Parliament and a breach of parliamentary privilege,” Mr Ayariga said.

Delivering his ruling on the matter in the House, Speaker Alban Bagbin said the case raised serious concerns and merited further examination.

He said that after reviewing the complaint alongside Parliament’s Standing Orders and governing principles, he was satisfied that the matter had established a prima facie case that could affect the institutional integrity of Parliament.

As a result, the Speaker, relying on Order 34 (1), referred the matter to the Committee on Privileges and Immunity for examination, enquiry, investigation and reporting back to the House.

The Committee has been mandated to establish the relevant facts surrounding the case, including the House’s decision and the actions of the Member involved. It will also review the matter in line with the Standing Orders of Parliament and the applicable ECOWAS Parliament protocols.

Members of the Committee are further required to determine whether the conduct, if substantiated, amounts to contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege under Orders 30 and 31.

The Committee will subsequently present its findings and recommendations to Parliament for consideration.