Speaker Bagbin refers Afenyo-Markin to Privileges Committee

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has referred the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities after he was cited for contempt.

This follows a motion for contempt of Parliament filed by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga.

Ayariga accused Afenyo-Markin of defying Parliament’s orders by attending a sitting of the ECOWAS Parliament.

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Addressing the floor of Parliament on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Bagbin said that the motion filed by Ayariga established a prima facie case against the lawmaker, adding that it could affect Parliament’s integrity.

“... I am satisfied that the matter raised prima facie, implicates the dignity and institutional integrity of this house. Pursuant to order 34.1, I, therefore, refer the matter, the complaint lodged by the honorable member for Bawku Central and the Majority Leader, to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities for examination, inquiry, investigation and report to the House,” he directed.

The Speaker, therefore, charged the Privileges Committee to, among other things, determine whether Afenyo-Markin’s conduct was in contempt of Parliament under Standing Orders 30 and 31A of the House.

“The Committee is directed to, ascertain the relevant facts giving rise to the complaint, including the actions taken by the House and by the honorable member concerned. Review those actions taken within the framework of our Standing Orders and the applicable protocols of the ECOWAS Parliament.

“Determine whether the conduct, if established, constitutes contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege under Orders 30 and 31A and make appropriate recommendations to the House for its consideration,” Bagbin added.

Background

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, accused Afenyo-Markin of defying Parliament’s orders by attending a sitting of the ECOWAS Parliament.

He said the Minority Leader’s decision to attend the ECOWAS session after a resolution was passed by the House to remove him from Ghana’s delegation constitutes contempt.

“The provisions of Order 31 state that any act or omission which affronts the dignity or authority of the Parliament of Ghana, or produces any such effect, constitutes contempt of Parliament and a breach of parliamentary privilege.

“Mr Speaker, by defying this Parliament’s resolution removing him from the ECOWAS Parliament and actually going to Port Harcourt and attending the session, he has clearly affronted the dignity and engaged in an act that constitutes an affront to the authority of this Parliament,” he said.

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He added, “And it is time that the Honorable Afenyo-Markin be put in his proper place.”

MAG/AE

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