News:
December 11, 2025
For the second consecutive day, the work of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament was paralyzed by the inability to form a quorum, prompting a stern rebuke from its Speaker.
The disruption occurred during the Parliament’s Second Ordinary Session as eight member states—Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau—prepared to present crucial country reports. Following a roll call that revealed insufficient attendance, presiding officer Hon. Billy G. Tunkara handed proceedings over to Speaker Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima.
Addressing the half-empty chamber with visible frustration, Speaker Ibrahima linked the chronic absenteeism to the bloc’s recent political fractures. “With three member states [Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso] having withdrawn, and others facing internal challenges, meeting our quorum is already a significant test,” she stated. “But when we have thirty-five allocated MPs from Nigeria and still cannot convene properly, there is a fundamental problem.”
Her remarks grew more pointed: “We must address this. They receive their entitlements, yet they are not present to fulfill their duties. This is not normal. Let us be frank: it is unacceptable.”
The Speaker then moved to suspend the session for forty-five minutes to compel lawmakers to attend.
This decision sparked immediate protest from Hon. Fanta Conté, Leader of the Guinea delegation. Arguing against the suspension, Conté noted that the Parliament had often proceeded with its agenda despite similar quorum issues in the past. “Why enforce this rule so strictly today, of all days, when eight nations are scheduled to report?” she questioned. “Suspending our work shows a lack of respect for those of us who are here and ready to work. I urge you, Madam Speaker, let us continue while our colleagues join us.”
Despite heated debate, Speaker Ibrahima remained resolute. “Honourable members are still in their hotel rooms,” she asserted, insisting on the suspension to underscore the gravity of the issue.
The tactic proved effective. During the forty-five-minute pause, a significant number of absent MPs, including several from the Nigerian delegation, arrived at the chamber, allowing the session to resume with a full quorum.
The incident has cast a stark light on institutional challenges within the ECOWAS Parliament, raising questions about accountability, commitment, and the body’s operational efficacy amidst a period of regional instability.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso for Ghanamps.com