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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed that Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities after he was cited for alleged contempt of Parliament.
This action follows a petition submitted by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who accused Afenyo-Markin of disregarding Parliament’s directives by participating in a sitting of the ECOWAS Parliament despite prior instructions.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Speaker Bagbin explained that Ayariga’s motion established a prima facie case, stressing that the situation touches on the dignity and institutional integrity of the Legislature.
“I am convinced that the matter raised presents a prima facie case, implicating the honour and institutional integrity of this House. In line with Order 34.1, I hereby refer the complaint filed by the Honourable Member for Bawku Central to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities for examination, inquiry, investigation, and subsequent report to the House,” Bagbin ruled.
Bagbin instructed the Privileges Committee to determine whether Afenyo-Markin’s actions constitute contempt or breach of privilege under Standing Orders 30 and 31A.
The Committee is expected to:
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Establish the facts that led to the complaint
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Review actions taken by both Parliament and the lawmaker
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Measure those actions against the Standing Orders
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Consider relevant ECOWAS Parliamentary protocols
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Recommend appropriate sanctions or resolutions
Background
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga accused Afenyo-Markin of openly defying a House resolution that removed him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.
Ayariga argued that by attending the ECOWAS session in Port Harcourt despite the directive, Afenyo-Markin violated parliamentary authority.
“Order 31 states that any act or omission that undermines the dignity or authority of the Parliament of Ghana amounts to contempt. By ignoring this House’s resolution and participating in the ECOWAS sitting, he has clearly breached the authority of Parliament,” Ayariga stated.
He concluded that it was time for Afenyo-Markin to face the consequences of his actions.
