The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has officially sworn in Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed as the new Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso East Constituency following his victory in the recent by-election.
The brief but significant ceremony took place in Parliament, where the Speaker administered the oath of office, officially admitting the new legislator into the House.
Speaker Bagbin congratulated Baba Jamal on his electoral victory and reminded him of the enormous responsibility that comes with representing the people of Ayawaso East in Ghana’s legislature.
“You voluntarily presented yourself to serve the good people of Ayawaso East. By doing so, you have committed to serving not only your constituency but Ghana as a whole,” the Speaker stated.
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Speaker Bagbin stressed that he would be closely monitored to ensure he delivers effectively for his constituents.
According to him, Members of Parliament must remain accountable to the people who elect them and must perform their duties diligently in the national interest, and stressed, “I will hold you accountable to the good people of Ayawaso East. They have given you the mandate, and you must work to justify their confidence,” he said.
He expressed the expectation that Baba Jamal will actively participate in parliamentary work and contribute meaningfully to debates and legislative processes.
The Speaker also presented the new MP with important documents namely, the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the revised Standing Orders of Parliament.
“The first tools you need to work with are the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the revised Standing Orders of Parliament. Please study them carefully and make sure you abide by them,” Bagbin advised.
Reacting to the swearing-in, the First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, welcomed the new MP but also used the opportunity to highlight concerns about the by-election process. He said while the Minority respects the outcome declared by the electoral authorities, there were questions raised during the contest that should not be ignored.
According to him, the Minority caucus believes democratic processes must always inspire public confidence and transparency. He noted that some stakeholders had earlier raised reservations about aspects of the by-election but stressed that Parliament must ultimately respect the constitutional process that produced the new legislator.
Despite the concerns, Habib Iddrisu said the Minority side of the House would extend cooperation to the newly sworn-in MP and emphasized that Parliament operates as a family where members must work together in the national interest regardless of political differences.
“You are welcome to this House. Here, we sit as brothers and sisters. We will reach out to each other, and the Minority will work with you in the interest of the people,” he said.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, also congratulated Baba Jamal on his victory and return to Parliament, describing him as a seasoned politician with significant experience in legislative and party work.
Hon. Ayariga noted that Baba Jamal was not new to parliamentary proceedings and expressed confidence that his presence would strengthen the Majority caucus.
“He is not a newcomer to this chamber. He is a tried and tested hand, and his presence here will certainly fortify the capacity of the Majority,” the Majority Leader stated.
Ayariga further praised Baba Jamal’s political track record and public service experience, noting that his decision to leave his diplomatic role to return to Parliament demonstrated his commitment to serving the people of his constituency and the nation.
The Majority Leader assured the new MP of the full support of the Majority caucus as he resumes parliamentary duties.