Alexander Afenyo-Markin
The Speaker of the Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has referred the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities following a petition alleging contempt of Parliament and breach of parliamentary privilege.
The referral stems from a formal complaint presented to the House on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, by the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga.
The petition invokes Orders 6 and 33 of Parliament’s Standing Orders and alleges that Mr. Afenyo-Markin engaged in conduct which, if established, may amount to contempt of Parliament under Orders 30 and 31.
According to the complaint, the Minority Leader allegedly attended a session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria, held between September 25 and 28, 2025, despite a duly adopted resolution of the House that excluded his name from Ghana’s delegation to the regional body.
The Majority Leader contends that this alleged action constituted a direct disregard for an official resolution of Parliament and an affront to its authority and dignity.
Delivering his deferred ruling to the House, Speaker Bagbin explained that the Standing Orders vest in the Speaker the initial responsibility to determine whether allegations of contempt disclose a prima facie case warranting referral to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities.
Though he was originally scheduled to rule on the matter on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Speaker cited pressure of parliamentary business as the reason for the delay.
In his detailed ruling, the Speaker first addressed the nature and legal effect of a parliamentary resolution.
He stressed that a resolution is a formal expression of the collective will of the House on a matter properly before it and, once adopted, becomes binding on all members until it is rescinded, varied, or suspended in accordance with the Standing Orders.
He emphasised that such resolutions have continuing legal effect and must be obeyed by all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation or leadership status.
Quoting established parliamentary authorities, Speaker Bagbin, noted that, “the dignity of Parliament depends upon the observance of its rules and the authority of Parliament depends upon their enforcement,” underscoring the doctrine of collective responsibility that binds all members to decisions of the House.
The Speaker further explained that the contempt jurisdiction of Parliament is not restricted to actions that occur within the Chamber.
He stated that any act or omission that obstructs, undermines, or brings Parliament into disrepute, whether directly or indirectly and whether inside or outside the House, may fall within the scope of contempt.
He acknowledged that while the Standing Orders do not expressly list the non-compliance with a resolution as a standalone category of contempt, they also make it clear that the enumeration of contemptuous acts is not exhaustive.
Parliament, he said, retains the inherent constitutional authority to treat as contempt any conduct that undermines its institutional dignity, authority, unity, or public credibility.
Applying these principles to the present complaint, Speaker Bagbin concluded that the allegation against the Minority Leader raises serious questions touching on the institutional integrity and dignity of the House.
He was therefore satisfied that a prima facie case had been established under Order 34(1) of the Standing Orders.
Accordingly, the Speaker formally referred the complaint laid by the Majority Leader against Mr. Afenyo-Markin to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities for full inquiry and report to the House.
The Committee has been mandated to, first, ascertain all relevant facts giving rise to the complaint, including the actions taken by the House and the conduct of the Member concerned.
Second, it is to examine the actions within the framework of the Standing Orders of Parliament and the applicable protocols of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Third, it is to determine whether the conduct, if established, constitutes contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege under Orders 30 and 31. Finally, the Committee is to make appropriate recommendations to the House for consideration.
In his concluding remarks, Speaker Bagbin reminded Members that beyond partisan divides, the authority of Parliament rests on the collective commitment of all Members to respect its decisions and uphold the integrity of its processes.
He cautioned that any allegation suggesting that a Member has disregarded a valid resolution of the House must be examined with fairness, constitutional fidelity, and a firm regard for the independence of Parliament as an institution.
He urged the Committee on Privileges and Immunities to discharge its mandate with diligence, impartiality, and decorum, while ensuring that all parties involved are given a fair hearing in line with the principles of natural justice.
He further advised Members of Parliament to refrain from public commentary on the matter while the Committee’s inquiry is ongoing, in order to preserve the dignity, unity, and credibility of the House.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House