Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the legitimacy of his position in the ECOWAS Parliament, insisting he will serve his full tenure despite ongoing attempts to challenge his membership.
Afenyo-Markin maintained that he has committed no offence to warrant sanctions and expressed confidence that any move to refer him to the Privileges Committee would be unjustified and undemocratic.
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Speaking last Friday during his concluding remarks as Parliament adjourned for the Christmas recess, he argued that the ECOWAS Parliament has already dismissed proposals seeking his removal, reinforcing the validity of his mandate and his role as Third Deputy Speaker of the regional legislative body. He stressed that his position cannot be arbitrarily withdrawn like a political appointment.
He declared, “The Minority Leader has not disrespected any order of this House. Indeed, the ECOWAS Parliament rejected outright the resolution that sought to remove the Minority Leader from his seat as an ECOWAS MP.”
Afenyo-Markin reiterated that his mandate remains legitimate until April 2028, reaffirming his commitment to continue serving in the regional parliament.
“You can remove the Chief Justice, you can remove others who are political appointees, but not his bona fide right as a member of ECOWAS Parliament and Third Deputy Speaker. He shall remain until April 2028, when his tenure shall have come to an end,” he added.
Parliament has since risen for the Christmas recess and is expected to reconvene in the next session.
Background
The controversy surrounding Afenyo-Markin’s ECOWAS position stems from disputes over Ghana’s representation and questions raised in Parliament regarding his eligibility. Critics argued that his continued stay required review. Meanwhile, the Speaker has referred the Minority leader to the Privileges Committee for misconduct and disrespect to the House.
However, Afenyo-Markin maintains that his role—obtained through official parliamentary processes while serving as Deputy Majority Leader—remains legally valid. He insists the ECOWAS Parliament outrightly rejected any attempt to revoke his seat, stressing that his mandate is protected and not politically disposable.
The development has since evolved into a broader debate over parliamentary sovereignty, legality, precedent, and institutional respect. He remains resolute in defending his tenure until its expiration in 2028.