News:
March 22, 2021
Deputy Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo- Markin is now the leader of the country’s delegation to the 5th Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
After the country’s Presidential and Parliamentary election on December 7, 2020 which resulted in both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), having one hundred and thirty-seven seats (137) each, with the NPP having an independent candidate working with it to form the Majority, the House on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 approved eight members to the ECOWAS Parliament.
The list include Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, leader, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, Musah Ayaba, Abdul-Aziz, Samson Ahi, Mahama Ayariga, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, and Laadi Ayii Ayamba.
In an interview with Kwamena Afenyo-Markin as to what to expect from the Ghanaian delegation, he noted that the ECOWAS mandate is clear and the delegation is supposed to raise the national issues within the sub-region which would be incorporated for the good of the region and its citizens.
And added that, that was the spirit within which they would approach their work, and commended the outgoing leader of the Ghanaian delegation in the previous parliament, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh and his team.
“We would continue with their good work and see how to explore new areas for the betterment of the West African sub-region and its citizens”.
As to why, Ghana keeps presenting only one female out of the eight slots the country has, leader of the delegation noted that it has to do with the female representation in the current 8th Parliament of forty (40) with twenty (20) on each side.
Again, he pointed out that “if you are a Minister you cannot double as a member of the ECOWAS Parliament; there are limitations but quickly pointed out that in the future steps would be taken to make room for women to be adequately represented.
On direct elections of Community lawmakers, Kwamena Afenyo-Markin noted that he has to consult with his other colleagues, on the matter and need to know the position of the country. “In ECOWAS Parliament you do not go there with your individual views but the position of the country”.
He further, added that the position of Ghana’s Parliament is also important and they would be going to the fifth Legislature as a collective, carrying the aspiration of the Ghanaian Parliament into the Community chamber, “let us get to that bridge and cross it”.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com