Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns over what he describes as the denial of representation for the Minority caucus on parliamentary delegations to the Pan-African Parliament and the ECOWAS Parliament.
According to him, the established formula for constituting Ghana’s delegations to the two regional legislative bodies has been disregarded, leaving the Minority sidelined.
Speaking at the 9th edition of the Crystal Ball Series, Afenyo-Markin called for an urgent resolution of the matter, insisting that the Minority’s rightful representation must be respected.
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“The Minority has two bonafide seats at the Pan-African Parliament. Instead of having two, strangely, we’re denied, and only one was given to us. Bypassing this formula, we’re told that we should take an observer status,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin further alleged that a similar situation occurred in the formation of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.
He explained that although the formula for representation had been agreed upon at the Committee on Selection, the arrangement was later altered.
“When it came to ECOWAS Parliament, though the formula was agreed, the majority, out of the blue, decided to file a motion without notice, amending the Minority’s proposal, which had been agreed at the Committee on Selection,” he said.
According to him, the outcome of the change has left the Minority without representation on several parliamentary delegations.
“As we speak, on all delegations, the Minority has been denied because we have insisted on our rights. I pray that we can resolve this matter,” he added.
The Minority Leader also alleged that there is a deliberate attempt within Parliament to frustrate the work of the Minority caucus.
He claimed that several motions filed by Minority members have not been allowed to proceed to debate despite being formally advertised on the Order Paper.
“To raise matters of public importance, ask questions, make decisions and hold the government to account through motions is our duty. Yet in practice, some of the Minority’s motions, though formally advertised, have still not been taken up for debate in the House,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin cited a motion relating to the dismissal of workers from state institutions as an example of the challenges faced by the Minority.
According to him, the motion was intended to draw attention to what he described as the mass dismissal of Ghanaian workers following a directive from the Chief of Staff.
“There was a letter from the Chief of Staff directing that the recruitment that took place after the election should be terminated,” he said.
He further alleged that some state agencies extended the directive beyond the intended scope.
“State agencies decided to go back to 2017/2018. People who have been in the employ of state-owned institutions, not just the civil service, since 2018 were sacked,” he claimed.
The Minority Leader said efforts to debate the motion have repeatedly stalled despite procedural progress.
He explained that after a preliminary objection from the Majority Leader and a subsequent appeal, the motion was eventually moved and seconded.
However, he said debate has remained suspended for months.
“The motion was moved, seconded, and one contributor was taken. It’s been eight months. It always appeared on the Order Paper. We are unable to take it. Why?” he questioned.