Afenyo-Markin calls for independent parliamentary legal offices across Africa

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged for increased independence within parliamentary legal offices throughout Africa, stressing that dependence on the executive for legal guidance could undermine Parliament's capacity to examine government actions. He emphasized during the opening of the 8th Africa Colloquium of Legal Counsel to Parliaments in Accra on October 13, 2026, that autonomous parliamentary legal offices are crucial for preserving the separation of powers, upholding constitutional democracy, and facilitating effective parliamentary oversight.

The Minority Leader made the argument that parliamentary legal counsel should be free from political influence, providing unbiased advice based on the Constitution and Parliament's authority. "A Parliament reliant on the Executive for legal opinions is a weakened Parliament," he stated.

Afenyo-Markin highlighted that such an independent legal office becomes crucial when Parliament deliberates on contentious bills, loan agreements, and statutory instruments that impact citizens' rights and freedoms. He further called on parliamentary legal counsel to remain steadfast against political pressures and attempts to manipulate parliamentary procedures that could suppress minority voices or stifle legitimate dissent.

Professional integrity, he argued, necessitates advising the Speaker, Clerk, and parliamentary committee chairpersons with honesty, even when their advice contradicts the preferences of influential political entities. "Professional integrity requires the refusal to draft provisions inconsistent with constitutional requirements," he added.

He stressed that non-partisanship does not imply passivity, stating that parliamentary legal offices must safeguard procedural fairness and ensure that numerical majorities do not infringe upon democratic rights. His comments come as delegates at the colloquium embark on a 15-year review of the Nairobi Principles, guiding the independence and impartiality of parliamentary legal offices across Africa.

Afenyo-Markin urged delegates to assess whether parliamentary counsel have enough autonomy, resources, and institutional authority to carry out their duties effectively. He emphasized that African citizens expect Parliament to act as a shield against corruption, arbitrary power, and authoritarianism, urging parliamentary legal counsel to remain independent, ethical, and courageous in defending constitutionalism and accountability across the continent.