The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiah-Agyei, has formally declined her inclusion in Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, citing lack of consultation and procedural breaches.
Her objection was contained in a strongly worded memorandum dated July 22, 2025 and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament.
She said “Rt Hon Speaker, 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.”
She emphasized that she neither gave her consent nor was consulted about being considered a replacement for the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
“At no point have I expressed any intention to replace my Leader, and I am particularly concerned that this development appears to be a calculated effort to cause division between myself and my Leader,” she added.
According to her, the nomination was made without consultation and was contrary to the understanding communicated earlier.
“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. It is therefore deeply troubling that a contrary nomination was advanced on the floor without consultation,” she said.
Madam Appiah-Agyei described the development as procedurally irregular and legally flawed, especially since Afenyo-Markin had already been sworn in as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
“There is therefore no legal or procedural justification for his removal and any attempt to replace him on the delegation not only breaches Ghanaian parliamentary practice but also violates ECOWAS statutes,” she cited.
She further argued that the Minority Leader had not vacated his seat nor been disqualified, making any attempt to remove him invalid under ECOWAS rules.
“The Minority Leader has not vacated his seat, nor has he been disqualified under any such criteria. Any action outside these parameters is completely against the Supplementary Act and the rules of the ECOWAS Parliament,” she noted.
While acknowledging the importance of women’s representation, she cautioned against using gender parity as a pretext for actions that lack proper process.
“Using gender parity as a pretext for unilateral and procedurally irregular decisions undermines both the objective and the institutional harmony we seek to preserve.
“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.”
Madam Appiah-Agyei prayed that the Minority Caucus’ original nominees – Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, and Bryan Acheampong be maintained.
She expressed hope that the matter would be addressed in a manner that preserves the unity and integrity of Parliament.
