Parliament’s internal tensions intensified on Thursday as Speaker Alban Bagbin formally cited Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for contempt and swiftly handed the matter to the Privileges Committee for investigation.
The Speaker’s action follows what he described as repeated defiance of a parliamentary directive that removed the MP from Ghana’s representation at the ECOWAS Parliament. Announcing the decision in the chamber on November 27, 2025, Mr. Bagbin indicated that the Minority Leader’s conduct had crossed the line into behaviour that challenges the authority of the House.
At the heart of the dispute is the parliamentary delegation to the Economic Community of West African States Parliament. According to the Speaker, the alleged contempt stems entirely from Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s refusal to relinquish his seat and discontinue his participation in the regional legislature after Parliament resolved to replace him.
Under Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders, contempt encompasses actions or omissions that obstruct or diminish the dignity of Parliament or its committees. The Speaker’s ruling suggests that the Minority Leader’s refusal to comply with an official directive may constitute one of the most serious infractions under parliamentary rules.
Responsibility for determining the next steps now lies with the Privileges Committee, chaired by Bernard Ahiafor, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker. The committee’s role is quasi-judicial, requiring members to gather evidence, question involved parties, and present a detailed report with recommendations to the full House.
The outcome of this inquiry will determine whether Mr. Afenyo-Markin faces sanctions or is cleared of the allegations, marking a significant moment in Parliament’s handling of internal discipline and its relationship with the ECOWAS legislative body.
