The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has filed a formal complaint against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, alleging that he has damaged the reputation and integrity of Parliament.
In his address to the Speaker, Mr. Ayariga claimed that the Minority Leader engaged in activities at the ECOWAS Parliament without proper authorisation or delegation from the Ghanaian Parliament.
He contended that this behaviour violated parliamentary procedure and constituted contempt of Parliament.
“The conduct of the Honourable Minority Leader, in attending and speaking at the ECOWAS Parliament when he had not been duly delegated by this House, is unacceptable and must not go unexamined,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
He called upon Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer Mr. Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for an investigation and, should he be found guilty, to suggest suitable sanctions.
Members of the minority have mounted a vigorous defence, arguing that Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s position as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament is legitimate and that he remains a permanent member of the organisation.
After considering arguments from both parties, Speaker Bagbin assured Parliament that he would announce his decision on Wednesday, November 12, regarding the referral of the issue to the Privileges Committee for further proceedings.
