Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally declined her nomination to serve on Ghana’s newly reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, citing a lack of consultation, procedural violations, and potential political mischief.
In a strongly worded letter dated Monday, July 22, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Appiagyei objected to her inclusion as a replacement for current ECOWAS Parliament Deputy Speaker and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stating that she was neither consulted nor did she consent to the nomination.
“I respectfully write to express my objection and hereby decline to be included in the reconstituted list of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament as adopted on the floor of the House today—an action that was taken in the absence of my good self and the Minority Leader,” her letter read.
Allegations of Division and Procedural Lapses
Appiagyei described the manner in which her name was inserted into the delegation list as a “calculated effort to cause division” between her and Afenyo-Markin. She emphasized that internal leadership discussions had previously affirmed Afenyo-Markin’s continued representation in the regional parliament.
She further warned that his removal would not only flout Ghana’s parliamentary procedures but also breach ECOWAS rules regarding the tenure and continuity of elected representatives.
“Hon. Afenyo-Markin was duly sworn in as a Member of the ECOWAS Parliament last year and subsequently elected as a Deputy Speaker. His tenure, by law and by ECOWAS protocol, remains valid and ongoing,” she stated, adding that ECOWAS itself could reject any attempt to unseat him unlawfully.
While acknowledging efforts to increase women’s representation in regional institutions, the Deputy Minority Leader cautioned that inclusion must be based on “transparent dialogue” and not imposed decisions that undermine existing structures.
“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms or the integrity of leadership structures,” she wrote.
The reconstitution of the ECOWAS delegation has ignited political tension within Parliament. Critics, including MP for Bimbilla Dominic Nitiwul, have accused the Majority of acting unilaterally and bypassing consultation with the Minority.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, however, defended the nomination process, claiming that ECOWAS roles are typically designated to Deputy Leaders of the House, and the decision aligns with established parliamentary conventions.
Appiagyei has called for her name to be expunged from the resolution passed by Parliament and urged the House not to transmit her nomination to the ECOWAS Parliament.
“I reiterate that the resolution that has my name as a nominated member for the delegation be stayed… I am refusing to be part of such delegation,” she stated, urging Parliament to “preserve the unity and integrity of the House.”