Minority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament and Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has handed over the leadership of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament to Cape Coast South MP and Deputy Majority Leader, George Ricketts-Hagan.
Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed confidence that Mr Ricketts-Hagan would bring considerable parliamentary experience, commitment to regional diplomacy and a strong understanding of regional integration to the responsibility.
Addressing the ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the transition reflected the broader principle that leadership must be anchored in service, continuity and the collective interest.
He described Mr Ricketts-Hagan as a worthy successor capable of strengthening Ghana’s contribution to the ECOWAS Parliament and advancing the country’s interests within the regional parliamentary framework.
“I have every confidence that he will bring to this responsibility his considerable experience, commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and understanding of the importance of regional integration,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said his experience in the ECOWAS Parliament had reinforced his conviction that regional integration must remain closely connected to the aspirations and needs of the people of West Africa.
He said Ghana’s delegation had an important role to play in advancing the objectives of the ECOWAS Parliament while contributing to efforts to build a more integrated, peaceful and prosperous West Africa.
He assured members of his continued commitment to the work of the regional legislature, stressing that although he was handing over the leadership of Ghana’s delegation, he would remain a member and Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament until the end of his tenure in May 2028.
He said he would continue to work closely with his colleagues to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and support the objectives of regional integration.
The transition is expected to provide continuity in Ghana’s engagement with the ECOWAS Parliament as the country continues to participate actively in discussions on regional integration, peace, security, development and the welfare of citizens across West Africa.
