Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally declined her inclusion in Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, describing the decision as procedurally improper and politically divisive.
In a memorandum addressed to the Speaker of Parliament on July 22, Madam Appiagyei said the move to nominate her, without her knowledge or consent, as a replacement for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin was “deeply troubling” and likely to stoke division within the Minority Caucus.
“There was an understanding by leadership that the Minority Leader would be on the ECOWAS Parliament delegation, as was communicated to the Committee of Selection,” she wrote.
“It is therefore deeply troubling that a contrary nomination was advanced on the floor without consultation.”
Madam Appiagyei stated that Mr Afenyo-Markin, who was sworn in as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament last year, retains a valid and ongoing mandate under ECOWAS protocols, which grant members a four-year term.
“A sitting member cannot be removed unless the member voluntarily resigns, is removed from office, appointed to the Executive or as a Judge, or otherwise becomes ineligible,” she stated, adding that none of these conditions applied to the Minority Leader.
While acknowledging efforts to enhance female representation in regional bodies, Madam Appiagyei warned against using gender parity as a cover for politically motivated decisions.
“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she wrote.
Appiagyei concluded by asking that her name be withdrawn from the resolution and that Parliament rescind the decision, urging the Speaker to maintain the original nominees, that is, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, and Bryan Acheampong.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate that the resolution that has my name as a nominated member for the delegation to ECOWAS Parliament be stayed. The House should take steps to rescind such decision since I do not intend to accept the offer made to me by the House, and by this memo, I am refusing to be part of such a delegation. and pray that the Clerk to Parliament does not communicate any such resolution to ECOWAS Parliament that includes my name,” she added.
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