The leadership of Ghana's delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has changed hands. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, has handed over the leadership of Ghana's delegation to Kwaku George Ricketts-Hagan, the Deputy Majority Leader of Parliament. This transition occurred during the ongoing Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament and the 2026 Parliamentary Seminar in Accra.
Afenyo-Markin commended Ricketts-Hagan as a "worthy successor" who will provide effective leadership to Ghana's delegation. He expressed confidence that Ricketts-Hagan's considerable parliamentary experience, commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, and understanding of regional integration will serve the delegation well. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that parliamentary leadership should be anchored in service, continuity, and institutional development.
Afenyo-Markin joined Ghana's delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament in November 2019 and became the Leader of Ghana's delegation. He played a crucial role in advancing Ghana's interests within the regional parliamentary framework. Afenyo-Markin urged members of the Ghanaian delegation to continue contributing actively to the work of the Community Parliament, despite changes in leadership.
The handover of leadership to Ricketts-Hagan marks a continuation of Ghana's participation in the Community Parliament. Both Afenyo-Markin and Ricketts-Hagan are expected to work together in advancing Ghana's interests within the regional parliamentary framework. Afenyo-Markin assured that he would continue to work with his colleagues in the regional legislature and support efforts to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and regional integration.
In July 2025, Parliament approved a reconstituted Ghanaian delegation that replaced Afenyo-Markin with Patricia Appiagyei. However, Afenyo-Markin was reinstated as a member of Ghana's delegation in June 2026 after Parliament reconstituted the delegation. The official list included Ricketts-Hagan as leader and Afenyo-Markin among the members.
Despite handing over the leadership of Ghana's delegation, Afenyo-Markin remains the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and a member of Ghana's delegation. The Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament has a four-year tenure, and the Bureau, including Afenyo-Markin, was elected in April 2024.
The ECOWAS Parliament plays a vital role in promoting regional integration, peace, and prosperity in West Africa. Ghana's delegation, under Ricketts-Hagan's leadership, is expected to continue contributing to the Community Parliament's objectives. The change in leadership reflects the dynamic nature of parliamentary representation and the importance of continuity in regional integration efforts.
Key points
- Alexander Afenyo-Markin hands over leadership of Ghana's ECOWAS Parliament delegation to Kwaku George Ricketts-Hagan.
- Afenyo-Markin expresses confidence in Ricketts-Hagan's ability to lead the delegation effectively.
- The change in leadership aims to promote continuity and institutional development in Ghana's participation in the ECOWAS Parliament.
