The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has ruled that Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has a case to answer after a preliminary assessment found prima facie evidence of contempt of Parliament connected to his participation in the September 2025 ECOWAS Parliament session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
The decision stems from a petition filed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who accused Afenyo-Markin of violating a parliamentary resolution that excluded him from Ghana’s official delegation to the regional body.
Parliament formally received the complaint on November 11, 2025, lodged under Orders 6 and 33 of the Standing Orders. The petition argued that the Minority Leader attended the ECOWAS Parliament meeting despite a resolution—duly adopted by the House—explicitly preventing him from doing so.
Ayariga contended that Afenyo-Markin’s actions undermined the authority and dignity of the Legislature and should therefore be referred to the Privileges and Immunities Committee.
Delivering his long-awaited ruling, Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin underscored that parliamentary resolutions are binding and remain effective until they are suspended, withdrawn, or varied through the proper procedures.
“A resolution is a decision of the House. Once adopted, it becomes binding on all Members, regardless of political persuasion or leadership position,” Bagbin emphasized, adding that no Member—including the Speaker—has the authority to unilaterally disregard such decisions.
Touching on the scope of parliamentary contempt, the Speaker noted that contempt is not restricted to acts committed within the chamber. What matters, he said, is whether a Member’s conduct tends to obstruct or diminish the work, dignity, or reputation of Parliament.
He further explained that although the Standing Orders do not list every possible form of contempt, Section 26 of the Parliament Act, 1965 (Act 300) makes it clear that the statutory grounds are not exhaustive.
After reviewing the petition and legal framework, the Speaker concluded: “I am satisfied that the matter raised prima facie implicates the dignity and institutional integrity of this House.” He subsequently invoked Order 341 to refer the issue to the Privileges and Immunities Committee for a full inquiry.
The Committee has been tasked to:
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Establish the facts surrounding the complaint;
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Review the actions of Parliament and the Minority Leader;
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Assess the conduct within the context of the Standing Orders and ECOWAS parliamentary protocols;
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Determine whether contempt or breach of privilege occurred; and
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Submit recommendations to the House.
Speaker Bagbin also cautioned Members to avoid public commentary on the matter until the Committee completes its investigation, citing the need to safeguard the dignity and integrity of Parliament.
