Parliament on Tuesday, October 21, witnessed the swearing-in of two newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) for the Akwatia and Tamale Central constituencies following recent by-elections.
Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament to Bernard Bediako Baidoo, who won the Akwatia by-election, and Alidu Seidu Mohammed, who was elected unopposed in the Tamale Central by-election.
The accompanying writ certified Bernard Bediako Baidoo as duly elected MP for Akwatia, having polled 18,199 votes to defeat Solomon Kwame Asumadu, who secured 15,285 votes, while Patrick Osu obtained 32 votes.
For the Tamale Central constituency, Mrs. Mensa noted that Alidu Seidu Mohammed, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, 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. Please, find attached the writ of election for the Tamale Central parliamentary by-election,” the EC Chairperson’s letter read.
Administering the oaths, Speaker Bagbin urged the new MPs to approach their roles with humility, diligence, and respect for parliamentary traditions.
He said, “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.”
He reminded the two new members that parliamentary service requires dedication to the Ghanaian people and a readiness to uphold the dignity of the House.
The swearing-in of the two legislators restores the full complement of Members of Parliament in the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, with 276 members. The governing NDC controls an absolute majority of 185 seats, while the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 87 seats with four
independent seats.
