MONROVIA – Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, 3rd Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, has publicly commended Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr., Chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Political Affairs and head of Liberia’s delegation, for his pivotal role in mediating the dispute over Ghana’s recomposed list to the 6th ECOWAS Parliament.
Speaking during the ongoing session, Hon. Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that Senator Snowe worked tirelessly between the Parliament of Ghana—through its Majority Leader—and members of the ECOWAS Bureau to resolve tensions that arose over the swearing-in of Ghana’s new representatives.
“The conclusion in all discussions has been to bring a resolution to this matter,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “The understanding, which was generally reached, is that the existing three of us — Hon. Ayamba, Hon. Ejeh, and myself — will remain on our oath until 2028 when this Parliament’s tenure expires. Upon resumption in October, our Parliament will do the needful to bring final clarity.”
He emphasized that the interim agreement will ensure no colleague is left without representation, noting, “This is not a victor’s justice, but it is justice for democracy.”
Recalling a similar incident in 2017 during Speaker Sisulu’s tenure, Afenyo-Markin explained that he voluntarily relinquished his seat at the time to allow Ghana’s delegation to be sworn in, demonstrating his commitment to institutional principles over personal interests.
“There is a matter for institutional principle and not an individual interest,” he added. “Since the Chairman of Political Affairs himself was mediating, I would want him to speak for the record.”
The resolution now allows Ghana to have seven representatives sworn in, with one seat pending final confirmation by Ghana’s Parliament for full compliance with ECOWAS protocols.