Ghana’s Parliament erupts over leadership clash and privilege dispute

A fiery standoff divides Ghana’s lawmakers after accusations of disrespect and defiance. Will the Privileges Committee intervene to resolve this explosive leadership clash?

, and Administrator

2025 November 14 . 9:06 AM

1 min read

In this picture, we see few people standing and few are seated on the chair and we see a man... — In this picture, we see few people standing and few are seated on the chair and we see a man standing at a podium and speaking with the help of a microphone and we see couple of posters to the stands and couple of flags on the back.

Ghana’s Parliament erupts over leadership clash and privilege dispute

Tensions rise in Ghana's Parliament as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga demands an apology from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for his alleged misconduct and disrespect towards Speaker Alban Bagbin and Ghanaians. Ayariga has threatened to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee if Afenyo-Markin fails to comply.

Ayariga, in a motion filed on November 7, 2025, accused Afenyo-Markin of repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings and undermining the Speaker's authority. He noted that Afenyo-Markin's actions were a breach of privilege and contempt of Parliament. Ayariga warned that the Majority caucus would not tolerate such behavior and quoted Standing Order 126 to emphasize the seriousness of the matter.

Ayariga suggested that the Speaker should refer Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for further action. He also stated that the Minority caucus, including its leader, had been engaging in acts of indiscipline and defiance of Parliament's Standing Orders. Ayariga threatened to raise a question of contempt of Parliament and abuse of privilege if Afenyo-Markin did not apologize for his actions.

The standoff between Ayariga and Afenyo-Markin highlights growing tensions within Ghana's Parliament. If Afenyo-Markin fails to apologize, the matter may proceed to the Privileges Committee, potentially leading to further disciplinary action.