Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally declined her nomination to the ECOWAS Parliament, citing procedural flaws and a lack of consultation in the decision-making process.
In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Appiagyei objected to her proposed appointment as a replacement for Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who is currently serving a valid term as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
She argued that Afenyo-Markin’s removal is both unjustified and unlawful, referencing ECOWAS rules that members serve fixed four-year terms and can only be removed under specific conditions. Appiagyei warned that such a move could violate ECOWAS statutes and risk rejection by the regional legislative body.
The Deputy Minority Leader also criticized the Majority Caucus for bypassing proper procedures, stating that the proposal was made without prior consultation—and in the absence of both the Minority Leader and herself.
While affirming the importance of gender inclusion, Appiagyei cautioned against using it as a justification for arbitrary changes. “True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she stated.
Appiagyei has urged the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament not to communicate her nomination to the ECOWAS Parliament, calling instead for the original Minority Caucus nominees to be retained.
