Appiagyei Rejects ECOWAS Nomination, Warns Against Politically Driven Substitutions

Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally declined her nomination to Ghana’s newly reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, describing the decision as procedurally improper, politically divisive, and executed without her consent.

In a memorandum to the Speaker of Parliament dated July 22, Madam Appiagyei expressed deep concern over her unexpected nomination as a replacement for the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stating the move was “deeply troubling” and risked causing unnecessary 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.”

Appiagyei pointed out that Mr Afenyo-Markin, who was sworn in last year as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, remains entitled to serve his full four-year term in accordance with ECOWAS protocols. “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, noting that none of these conditions applied.

While acknowledging the importance of gender representation in regional decision-making bodies, the Deputy Minority Leader cautioned against the misuse of gender parity as a smokescreen for politically motivated reshuffling.

“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she stated. “It is vital that efforts to empower women in leadership are not tainted by opaque decision-making processes.”

Appiagyei concluded by formally requesting the withdrawal of her name from the delegation and called on Parliament to rescind the resolution nominating her. She urged the Speaker to uphold the original list of nominees — 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,” she wrote. “I do not intend to accept the offer made to me by the House.”

The development has sparked questions about internal consultation procedures and the balance between gender representation and parliamentary protocol. It also highlights growing tensions over the politicisation of international appointments within Ghana’s legislative framework.