Parliament has endorsed a reshuffle in Ghana’s representation to the ECOWAS Parliament, replacing Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin with Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei.
Afenyo-Markin, who also held the position of Third Deputy Speaker in the regional legislature, is set to be succeeded in that role by Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, who currently heads Ghana’s ECOWAS delegation.
The decision has sparked controversy, especially from Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul, who criticized the Majority Caucus for failing to engage the Minority in the process.
“Leadership should not bring motions and impose decisions without proper consultation,” Nitiwul argued. “It’s wrong for the Majority to use its numbers to force decisions on the Minority regarding representation.”
In defense, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga maintained that the change adheres to parliamentary conventions, which often assign ECOWAS parliamentary positions to Deputy Leaders from both sides of the House.
Despite the objections, the new appointments have been approved and are expected to take immediate effect.
