Parliament has sworn in Ewurabena Aubynn as the new Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, following her victory in the July 11 rerun election. Her induction increases the ruling National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) tally in Parliament to 184 seats, further consolidating its parliamentary majority.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday, 22nd July, was not without controversy, as members of the Minority Caucus staged a walkout moments before the oath was administered. The protest was triggered by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who declined the Minority’s request to make comments before the swearing-in.

The Speaker maintained that parliamentary procedure allows for remarks only after the formal swearing-in, prompting the Minority, led by Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh, to leave the chamber in protest.

Despite the disruption, proceedings continued, with Speaker Bagbin administering the oath of office and offering guidance to the new MP. He advised Ms Aubynn, currently the youngest member of the House, to embrace discipline, humility, and hard work.

"Being the youngest Member of Parliament, I urge you, please be punctual, be ever present in Parliament, be calm, listen more, learn from your colleagues, but please read everything, not only the Constitution," he advised.

The Speaker reminded her of the responsibility she now bears towards her constituents.

"You are now the hope of the people of the constituency. They are looking up to you to do something to improve their lives. It is a trust, and this, I pray, you don't abuse. Four years is just a day. You will go back to them, and they will assess you this time based on your performance."

Mr Bagbin also cautioned against allowing political influence to overshadow the will of the constituents.

"Don't allow any person to change who you are. They voted for you, even though it was on a party ticket, but there are many members in the party in that constituency. They voted for you, so please commit yourself to them," he added.

Ms Aubynn’s victory in the rerun followed the annulment of results from 19 polling stations in the 2024 general elections due to procedural breaches and incidents of violence. The rerun result sparked protests from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who continue to dispute its fairness.

Nonetheless, her swearing-in marks a milestone for the NDC, further strengthening the party’s hold in the current Parliament.