Outgoing Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on lawmakers across the sub-region to remain connected to the people they represent, stressing that regional integration must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
Speaking during the Second Extraordinary Session and Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament in Accra, Afenyo-Markin officially handed over his responsibilities to George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, a member of Ghana’s Parliament representing Cape Coast South, at the end of his tenure.
The Ghanaian lawmaker said the success of regional integration should not be measured solely by treaties, protocols or institutional meetings, but by its impact on communities across West Africa.
“Regional integration must be understood beyond treaties, protocols and meetings of institutions.
Its true value must be felt in our communities, in the opportunities available to our young people, in the movement of our citizens and businesses across borders,” he said.
He noted that regional cooperation was crucial in tackling challenges that individual member states cannot address alone, including economic and security concerns.
On climate change, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged its growing impact on livelihoods and social stability, warning that it could worsen poverty and competition over scarce resources. However, he urged policymakers to adopt a balanced approach.
“We must recognise the relationship between environmental stress and insecurity without reducing every conflict to climate change,” he said.
The outgoing Deputy Speaker also highlighted efforts by the ECOWAS Parliament to deepen engagement with citizens by holding parliamentary activities outside traditional political centres.
Recalling a parliamentary seminar held in Liberia’s oldest Congo Town in 2019 and subsequent activities hosted in Winneba, the capital of his constituency, he said such initiatives brought regional institutions closer to the people.
“We must from time to time leave the familiar surroundings of our national capital and meet our citizens where they live,” he stated.
According to him, Winneba hosted ECOWAS parliamentary activities on four occasions by 2024, creating opportunities for direct engagement with traditional leaders, businesses, young people and the University of Education, Winneba.
He added that the approach has since been extended to cities such as Kano and Port Harcourt in Nigeria.
Handing over to Ricketts-Hagan, Afenyo-Markin expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to advance the work of the Parliament.
“He is a worthy member of Parliament, who I believe will succeed me in this responsibility.
He is bringing his experience in parliamentary diplomacy and an understanding of regional integration to the role,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin pledged his continued support for the ECOWAS Parliament and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the regional legislature.
“Leadership is ultimately about service and continuity,” he said.
