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 contempt.
This decision followed a contempt motion filed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who accused Afenyo Markin of disregarding an instruction of Parliament by participating in a sitting of the ECOWAS Parliament despite the House’s resolution.
During proceedings in the chamber on Thursday, November twenty seven twenty twenty five Bagbin stated that the motion raised issues significant enough to warrant a formal inquiry since they touched directly on the integrity of the institution.
He noted that a prima facie case had been made, which required the Committee to examine the complaint, review the relevant actions, and present its findings to the House.
The Speaker instructed the Committee to establish the facts that prompted the complaint, including steps taken by Parliament and by the member involved, and to assess those acts within the rules guiding the House and the protocols of the ECOWAS Parliament.
He further directed the Committee to determine whether the conduct attributed to Afenyo Markin constitutes contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege under the relevant Standing Orders and to propose appropriate recommendations.
Earlier on Tuesday, November eleven twenty twenty five Mahama Ayariga informed the House that Afenyo Markin had acted contrary to a clear directive when he attended a session of the ECOWAS Parliament after Parliament had resolved to withdraw him from Ghana’s delegation.
Ayariga explained that the Standing Orders define any act that undermines the authority or dignity of Parliament as contempt, and he argued that Afenyo Markin’s decision to join the sitting in Port Harcourt amounted to such an affront.
He insisted that the conduct openly violated the will of the House and therefore required a firm response to uphold the standards expected from members.
He stressed that Parliament must protect its authority by ensuring that its resolutions are respected, and he maintained that the actions of Afenyo-Markin provided grounds for disciplinary scrutiny by the Committee.
In his submission, Ayariga urged the House to take firm measures so that no member would disregard decisions endorsed by Parliament. He noted that respect for collective resolutions strengthens parliamentary practice, and he suggested that failure to act decisively would embolden other members to ignore similar directives. His remarks emphasized the importance of obedience to parliamentary authority, especially in matters involving international representation. He therefore welcomed the Speaker’s decision to allow the Committee to investigate the matter and to offer recommendations that would reinforce discipline and accountability among members.
The House awaits the Committee’s report for further action.