Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally rejected her nomination to Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, describing the process as procedurally flawed and politically divisive.
In a memorandum addressed to the Speaker of Parliament on July 22, Madam Appiagyei expressed strong disapproval of her inclusion in the delegation without prior consultation or consent. She described the nomination, intended to replace Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, as a breach of parliamentary understanding and a threat to internal cohesion within the Minority Caucus.
“There was an understanding by leadership that the Minority Leader would be on the ECOWAS Parliament delegation, as was communicated to the Committee of Selection. It is therefore deeply troubling that a contrary nomination was advanced on the floor without consultation,” she wrote.
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Appiagyei emphasised that Afenyo-Markin, who was sworn in last year as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, holds a valid four-year mandate under ECOWAS protocols. According to her, a sitting member can only be removed under specific conditions, such as resignation, elevation to executive office or the judiciary, or disqualification, none of which apply in the Minority Leader’s case.
While acknowledging the importance of promoting gender parity in regional representation, the Deputy Minority Leader cautioned against using such efforts as a veil for politically motivated decisions.
“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she stated.
Madam Appiagyei requested that her name be withdrawn from the resolution and urged Parliament to rescind the decision. She called for the reinstatement of the original nominees: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, and Bryan Acheampong.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate that the resolution that has my name as a nominated member for the delegation to ECOWAS Parliament be stayed. The House should take steps to rescind such decision since I do not intend to accept the offer made to me by the House.”
“I pray that the Clerk to Parliament does not communicate any such resolution to ECOWAS Parliament that includes my name,” he added.