Military Coups Not Alternative Governances for Africa Progress –Hon Afenyo-Markin

Leader of Ghana’s Delegation to the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Hon Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on leaders of the sub-regional bloc and Africa as a whole to stand firm in unity against the frequent military interventions in the continent as it has nobearing alternative to the continent progress.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin who is also the Deputy Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament further emphasized the critical importance of standing united to resist some of the leaders who amend constitutions to extend their tenure in office.

.He said despite the economic challenges facing the continent following the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, military interventions are not the alternative.

Hon Afenyo-Markin made the call at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS High-level Parliamentary seminar on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Winneba in the Central Region.

In his welcome address at the ceremony attended by distinguished personalities including President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Speaker of ECOWAS, Hon Sidie Mohammed Tunis, the Deputy Majority leader condemned recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, and Gabon, along with hostilities in Sudan.

He described these coups as a betrayal of democratic principles and called for a swift return to constitutional rule, emphasizing that regression is not the solution for West Africa’s progress.

According to him, the global trend of economic and technological moves, there was a need for Africans, especially the ECOWAS sub-regional block to foster stability and democracy for the benefit of the citizens.

The seminar is under the theme, ‘The challenges of unconstitutional regime change and presidential term limits in West Africa – The role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”

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This, Hon Afenyo-Markin stressed the relevance of democracy as the foundation for progress, justice, and freedom stating, “We need to protect democratic institutions, ensuring they remain resilient amidst evolving challenges.”

He drew inspiration from the late Kofi Annan’s words, emphasizing the universal principles of democracy, human rights, and freedoms.

The Deputy leader rallies ECOWAS to take a firm decision against leaders attempting to change constitutions unlawfully to prolong their term in office, emphasizing the need for vigilance on activities thwarting the democratic principles in order to protect the sanctity of democratic processes.

“The shield protecting the flames of democracy and freedom from despotism and tyranny is our unity. West African nations should stand shoulder to shoulder, nurture the values of freedom, dignity, and the rule of law,” the Ghanaian Legislator said.

He again, tasked leaders of the ECOWAS with a collective effort to ensure the sub-region nations’ harmony is preserved, and people’s aspirations are realized. He envisioned a future marked by dignity, prosperity, and the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and histories.

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The ECOWAS parliamentarians and participants, Hon Afenyo-Mark said must remain united and resilient to be able to carry the vibrant spirit of Winneba back to their respective nations.

Other dignitaries present at the Seminar were former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, Dr Abdul Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon Kweku Ampratwum -Sarpong, the Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan, the Paramount Chief of Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII, among others.