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Bagbin refers Afenyo-Markin to Privileges Committee over ECOWAS delegation dispute
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has referred minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges and Immunities Committee over his role in Ghana’s ECOWAS Parliament delegation.
The referral follows a petition by Mahama Ayariga, the majority leader in parliament.
Mahama Ayariga argued that Afenyo-Markin acted improperly by remaining part of the delegation even after Patricia Appiagyei, deputy minority leader was selected to replace him.
The matter drew attention after Appiagyei’s nomination was announced, but Afenyo-Markin continued to participate in the ECOWAS delegation, prompting concerns about parliamentary procedure and adherence to rules.
Delivering his ruling, the Speaker noted that the issue touches on the dignity and institutional integrity of Parliament.
He stated that, under Order 34, the complaint should be examined, investigated, and reported on by the Privileges and Immunities Committee.
The Committee has been directed to establish the facts behind the complaint, including actions taken by Parliament and by the minority Leader, and report its findings to the House.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
