The Speaker of Parliament has concluded that a prima facie case has been built against Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin for alleged contempt of Parliament in connection with his participation in the September 2025 ECOWAS Parliament in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
The verdict came after the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, filed a formal appeal accusing Afenyo-Markin of violating a legislative resolution that barred him from serving on Ghana’s delegation to the regional legislature.
On November 11, 2025, Parliament received a complaint filed under Orders 6 and 33, stating that the Minority Leader violated a lawfully voted House resolution by attending the ECOWAS Parliament session.
According to Ayariga, the Minority Leader’s actions are an affront to the authority and dignity of Ghana’s Parliament, and so necessitate a reference to the Privileges and Immunities Committee.
In his long-awaited verdict, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin stressed that a resolution of Parliament has binding force and is valid until suspended, revoked, or altered in accordance with the Standing Orders.
He emphasized, “A resolution is a decision of the House. Once adopted, it becomes binding on all members, irrespective of political affiliation or leadership status.”
Bagbin emphasized that neither the Speaker nor any individual member may unilaterally disregard a resolution voted by the House.
Addressing the broader context of parliamentary contempt, the Speaker emphasized that Parliament’s contempt jurisdiction goes outside the physical chamber as long as the alleged conduct damages the institution.
“The jurisdiction to sanction contempt is not limited to acts committed within the chamber. The relevant test is whether the conduct has a direct or indirect tendency to obstruct, diminish, or bring Parliament into disrepute,” he stated.
Speaker Bagbin stated that, while non-compliance with a resolution is not specifically named as a form of contempt, Section 26 of the Parliament Act, 1965 (Act 300) makes it plain that the grounds listed are not exhaustive.
After evaluating the allegation and applicable legal principles, Bagbin said, “I am satisfied that the matter raised prima facie implicates the dignity and institutional integrity of this House.”
He then invoked Order 341 to refer the case to the Privileges and Immunities Committee for a thorough examination.
Speaker Bagbin directed the committee to:
1. Ascertain the facts surrounding the complaint.
2. Review actions taken by both Parliament and the Minority Leader.
3. Examine the conduct within the framework of the Standing Orders and ECOWAS parliamentary protocols.
4. Determine whether contempt or breach of privilege has occurred.
5. And submit recommendations to the House for consideration.
Speaker Bagbin advised members to refrain from making public statements on the subject in order to maintain Parliament’s dignity and integrity until the Committee’s work was completed.
Source: newsthemegh.com