Ghana's Majority Leader in Parliament, Member of Parliament for Effutu constituency, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has been appointed as the 3rd Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, marking a significant milestone in his parliamentary career.

Afenyo-Markin's extensive experience in both national and ECOWAS parliamentary affairs makes him well-suited for this prestigious position.

The inauguration of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament took place on April 4, 2024, with Guinea's reinstatement into the community serving as a positive sign of regional stability following its recent political turmoil.

However, the absence of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso at the ceremony highlighted a gap in the unity of the ECOWAS community.

The Republic of Togo, responsible for nominating the Speaker for the 6th Parliament, is yet to announce its candidates. As a result, Sidie Mohamed Tunis has been temporarily appointed as the ceremonial Speaker, especially since Togo's parliamentary elections have been postponed.

The lineup of Deputy Speakers includes Barau Jibrin from Nigeria, Adjaratou Coulibaly from Ivory Coast, and Billay G. Tunkara from the Gambia, holding the 1st, 2nd, and 4th positions respectively.

The selection of Deputy Speakers was marked by intense lobbying, with Cabo Verde's bid being unsuccessful due to its failure to fulfill financial commitments to the ECOWAS, echoing challenges faced during the 5th ECOWAS Parliament.

This situation has sparked concerns among member states regarding financial participation and its potential impact on governance.

As the newly elected representatives of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament assume their roles, they face the crucial task of addressing regional issues and advancing the collective objectives of member nations, amidst a backdrop of complex political and economic dynamics across the region.