Embrace radical reforms- Afenyo-Markin to ECOWAS Parliament
The Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the body to embrace radical reforms.
In an address at the closing session of the parliamentary meeting in Abuja on July 13, 2024, the Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament noted critical shortcomings in the current structure of the ECOWAS Parliament and proposed sweeping changes to its role and effectiveness in driving regional integration.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, established as a forum for dialogue, consultation, and consensus for representatives of the people of West Africa, has long been viewed primarily as an advisory body.
However, Afenyo-Markin’s speech on Saturday challenged this perception, advocating for a more empowered and influential parliamentary role within the regional bloc.
“Parliament was not just created as an organ of ECOWAS to play a mere advisory role, a deliberative chamber without powers,” Afenyo-Markin asserted, setting the tone for his reform agenda.
The Effutu MP said a more robust parliament would accelerate the achievement of ECOWAS’s goals and serve as a vital link between the organization and the citizens it represents.
