The Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns about what he describes as the systematic sidelining of the Minority caucus in parliamentary delegations to the Pan-African Parliament and the ECOWAS Parliament.
Speaking at the 9th edition of the Crystal Ball Series, Afenyo-Markin said established formulas for constituting parliamentary delegations have been disregarded, resulting in the Minority being denied rightful representation.
“The Minority has two bona fide seats at the Pan-African Parliament. Instead of having two, strangely, we’re denied, and only one was given to us. Bypassing this formula, we’re told that we should take an observer status,” he said.
He added that a similar situation occurred in forming the delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament. Despite prior agreement on the formula at the Committee on Selection, the Majority allegedly filed a motion without notice, amending the Minority’s proposal. “As we speak, on all delegations, the Minority has been denied because we have insisted on our rights. I pray that we can resolve this matter,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin also claimed that there are attempts to stifle the Minority caucus within Parliament. According to him, motions filed by Minority members are frequently blocked from debate.
He cited a motion concerning the dismissal of workers from state institutions as an example. “A typical example is the mass dismissal of Ghanaian workers when this party came into office. There was a letter from the Chief of Staff directing that the recruitment that took place after the election should be terminated,” he said.
He added, “However, state agencies decided to go back to 2017/2018. People who have been in the employ of state-owned institutions, not just the civil service, since 2018 were sacked. Attempts to bring this matter to the public space remain frustrated.”
Afenyo-Markin said efforts to debate the motion have repeatedly stalled despite procedural progress. “The first was a preliminary objection by the Majority Leader, and when we filed an appeal, though the appeal motion was allowed, the debate is still in abeyance. The motion was moved, seconded, and one contributor was taken. It’s been eight months. It always appeared on the Order Paper. We are unable to take it. Why?” he questioned.
The Minority Leader called for urgent resolution, insisting that the Minority’s rightful representation and participation in Parliament must be respected.
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