Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the leader of Ghana's Delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament and Deputy Majority Leader of Ghana's Parliament, has made a resounding call for unity among African leaders to combat the frequent military interventions on the continent. 

He emphasised that such interventions have no positive impact on Africa's progress and development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS High-level Parliamentary seminar held on September 29, 2023, in Winneba, Central Region, Mr.Afenyo-Markin highlighted the critical importance of unity in resisting leaders who manipulate constitutions to extend their time in office. 

He asserted that even in the face of economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts like the war between Ukraine and Russia, military coups and unconstitutional changes of government are not viable solutions.

The Deputy Majority Leader strongly condemned recent military coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, and Gabon, as well as hostilities in Sudan. 

He described these events as betrayals of democratic principles and called for a swift return to constitutional governance, emphasising that regression is not the path to progress for West Africa.

Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed the relevance of democracy as the foundation for progress, justice, and freedom, echoing the late Kofi Annan's advocacy for universal principles of democracy, human rights, and freedoms. 

He rallied ECOWAS to take decisive action against leaders attempting to unlawfully change constitutions to extend their terms in office. 

He emphasised the need for vigilance in protecting democratic processes and institutions.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of unity among West African nations in safeguarding the values of freedom, dignity, and the rule of law. 

He envisioned a future marked by dignity, prosperity, and the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and histories in the region.

The seminar, themed ‘The challenges of unconstitutional regime change and presidential term limits in West Africa – The role of the ECOWAS Parliament’, aimed to address critical issues related to democracy, governance, and the protection of democratic principles in West Africa.

Dignitaries present at the seminar included 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), Mr Kweku Ampratwum-Sarpong (Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration), the Central Regional Minister Justina Marigold Assan, the Paramount Chief of Effutu Traditional Area Neenyi Ghartey VII, among others.