Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagye, has formally declined her inclusion in Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, citing lack of consultation, procedural breaches, and concerns over internal party unity.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the MP—whose name appeared in a new list adopted on the floor of the House—expressed deep reservations about being named as a replacement for the Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.

She described the decision as surprising and troubling, especially as it was taken in her absence and without her consent or prior consultation.

According to her, there was a prior agreement among leadership that the Minority Leader would retain his seat on the ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation, and this understanding was communicated to the Committee of Selection. She questioned the sudden change and its introduction by the Majority Leader, stating that it appeared to be a deliberate attempt to create division between herself and her Leader.

Beyond the internal political dynamics, the MP also raised legal and procedural concerns, pointing out that Mr. Afenyo-Markin was duly sworn in as a Member of the ECOWAS Parliament last year and later elected as a Deputy Speaker.

According to ECOWAS statutes, his tenure is valid for four years and cannot be terminated prematurely without clear legal grounds.

“A sitting Member cannot be removed from the delegation unless the Member voluntarily resigns, is removed from office, appointed to the Executive or as a Judge, or otherwise becomes ineligible,” she stated, warning that any move outside these conditions violates ECOWAS protocols and could be rejected by the regional body itself.

While acknowledging calls for improved gender representation, the MP emphasised that inclusion must follow due process, internal consensus, and respect for institutional norms.

“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established structures,” she stressed.

She concluded by urging Parliament to rescind the resolution that includes her name and not communicate the revised list to the ECOWAS Parliament.

She further reiterated support for the original nominees: Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin,  Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, and  Bryan Acheampong.