Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has cited Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for contempt and formally referred him to the Privileges Committee for investigation.

The decision stems from what the Speaker described as the MP’s repeated refusal to comply with Parliament’s directive removing him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.

Delivering his ruling on Wednesday, November 27, Bagbin said the Minority Leader’s actions amount to an affront to the authority of the House.

“I refer the complaint against the Minority Leader to the Privileges Committee for consideration and report to the House. I urge the Committee to execute its mandate with decorum and impartiality, and I advise Members to desist from public commentary,” he stated.

The matter relates to allegations that Mr. Afenyo-Markin continued to occupy his seat and participate in ECOWAS Parliament activities despite being officially withdrawn from the delegation.

Citing Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders, Bagbin noted that contempt includes any act that obstructs or diminishes the dignity of Parliament. He argued that the Minority Leader’s conduct fits this definition, thereby necessitating disciplinary proceedings.

The Privileges Committee will now invite all relevant parties to present evidence before submitting its findings and recommendations to the full House for further action.