Deputy Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on citizens of Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) to resist leaders who manipulate constitutions to continuously stay in power.
Mr Afenyo-Markin who is also the leader of Ghana’s Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has therefore entreated the sub-regional body to take decisive action against leaders attempting to unlawfully change laws to extend their terms in office.
He also called for unity among African leaders to combat the frequent military interventions on the continent.
Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised that such interventions have no positive impact on Africa’s progress and development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS High-level Parliamentary seminar held on September 29, 2023, in Winneba, Central Region, Ghana’s Deputy Majority Leader said there should not be any opportunity for unconstitutional leaders.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin asserted that even in the face of economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts like the war between Ukraine and Russia, military coups and unconstitutional changes of government are not viable solutions.
He strongly condemned recent military coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, and Gabon, as well as hostilities in Sudan.
The Deputy Majority Leader described these events as betrayals of democratic principles and called for a swift return to constitutional governance, emphasising that regression is not the path to progress for West Africa.
The Effutu MP reiterated the importance of democracy as the foundation for progress, justice, and freedom, echoing the late Kofi Annan’s advocacy for universal principles of democracy, human rights, and freedoms.
He emphasised the need for vigilance in protecting democratic processes and institutions.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin underscored the importance of unity among West African nations in safeguarding the values of freedom, dignity, and the rule of law.
He envisioned a future marked by dignity, prosperity, and the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and histories in the region.
The seminar, which was on the theme: ‘The challenges of unconstitutional regime change and presidential term limits in West Africa–The role of the ECOWAS Parliament’, aimed to address critical issues related to democracy, governance, and the protection of democratic principles in West Africa.
Dignitaries present at the seminar included former President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas; Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana Law School; Dr Abdul Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security; Mr Kweku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister; and the Paramount Chief of Effutu Traditional Area Neenyi Ghartey VII.
