Parliament witnessed the formal swearing-in of two newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday, October 21, following the recent by-elections in the Akwatia and Tamale Central constituencies.
Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament to the duo when the House resumed for the third meeting of the first session, thereby restoring the full complement of 276 MPs in the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
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Bernard Bediako Baidoo, who won the fiercely contested Akwatia by-election, and Alidu Seidu Mohammed, who was elected unopposed in the Tamale Central by-election, took their places on the floor of the House.
The swearing-in followed the formal submission of the election returns by the Electoral Commission (EC). A communication signed by EC Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, informed Parliament of the results.
For the Akwatia constituency, the EC’s letter, which was accompanied by the writ of election, certified Bernard Bediako Baidoo as the duly elected MP. Baidoo, a candidate for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), polled 18,199 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, who secured 15,285 votes. A third candidate, Patrick Owusu, obtained 32 votes. The Akwatia by-election was held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
In the case of Tamale Central, Mrs. Mensa noted that Alidu Seidu Mohammed, also of the NDC, was elected unopposed following the close of nominations.
“The Electoral Commission hereby informs you that Alidu Seidu Mohammed, the parliamentary candidate for the NDC, has been elected unopposed,” the EC Chairperson’s letter confirmed.
Administering the oaths, Speaker Bagbin urged the new MPs to approach their demanding roles with humility, diligence, and respect for the established traditions of the House.
Drawing an analogy, he cautioned, “Whether you are a professor, a farmer, or from any background, you have come to a new school, and that school starts from church. There is a lot you have to learn. Your seniors will do the usual thing, guide you through the processes. Respect them, learn from them, and perform your duties well.”
The Speaker reminded both members that parliamentary service demands dedication to the Ghanaian people and an unwavering readiness to uphold the dignity of the House.
The swearing-in confirms the composition of the Ninth Parliament, which now boasts 276 members. The governing NDC controls an absolute majority with 185 seats, while the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds 87 seats, with four independent seats completing the House.