Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has returned to the ECOWAS Parliament as Third Deputy Speaker following his earlier citation for contempt after defying his removal from Ghana’s delegation.
In a post on social media, Afenyo-Markin disclosed that he participated in the First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Abuja, Nigeria, maintaining his position as Third Deputy Speaker despite the earlier dispute surrounding his status.
“I am pleased to announce that I am presently in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, attending the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sixth Legislature, which convenes from 4th to 17th May 2026.” he wrote
He stated that he is attending the session alongside representatives from member states from May 4 to May 17, as the Parliament deliberates on critical regional issues, including security, the protection of citizens engaged in cross-border trade, and the strengthening of frameworks that uphold the dignity, safety, and freedom of movement of ECOWAS citizens.
Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of the ECOWAS Treaty, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and economic integration across West Africa.
“I remain firmly committed to the principles of the ECOWAS Treaty and to the vision of a West Africa in which every citizen may live, trade and move freely and without fear.” he stated.
His return follows a controversy triggered by a reconstitution of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament by Parliament.
The controversy dates back to July 2025, when Ghana’s Parliament reconstituted its delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, replacing Alexander Afenyo-Markin with his deputy, Patricia Appiagyei. The decision, justified by the Majority as aligning with parliamentary practice, was rejected by Afenyo-Markin, who maintained that his position as Third Deputy Speaker could not be altered unilaterally.
The dispute escalated in November 2025, when he attended a session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Port Harcourt despite his removal, prompting the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga to petition the Speaker over what was described as defiance of a parliamentary decision.
His actions subsequently led to his citation for contempt and referral to the Privileges Committee, amid a broader standoff that temporarily delayed the swearing-in of Ghana’s reconstituted delegation.
Despite the controversy, Afenyo-Markin has since maintained that his actions were guided by a commitment to institutional integrity and respect for ECOWAS parliamentary procedures. His return to the chamber signals a de-escalation of the dispute and a possible alignment between Ghana’s delegation and the regional body.
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