Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has sworn into office the Members of Parliament for Akwatia and Tamale Central, Bernard Bediako Baidoo and Professor Alidu Seidu, respectively.

Their swearing-in follows their victory in the by-elections held in their respective constituencies. Bernard Bediako won the Akwatia by-election with 18,199 votes following the death of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi, while Professor Alidu Seidu emerged victorious in the Tamale Central by-election as the sole candidate, succeeding the late Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

The duo were inaugurated after administering the oaths of allegiance and office in a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House today, marking the beginning of their official duties.

"Thank you for taking the oath, You are both welcome. And I will hold you to the two oaths that you've sworn, particularly the one where you clearly stated that you will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of member of parliament," the speaker urged the newly inducted MPs

The EC on Tuesday, September 2, held a by-election for constituents in 119 polling stations of the Akwatia constituency to provide constituents a representative, following the sudden passing of their former MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.

Ernest Kumi was confirmed dead on Monday, July 7, 2025. At the time of his passing, Ernest Kumi had only served the constituency for six months.

On Tuesday, September 2, more than 50,000 registered constituents in Akwatia cast their ballots to select an MP to represent the constituency in Parliament.

The NDC elected legal practitioner Bernard Bediako  Baidoo to contest the election. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the other hand, selected the Chief Executive of Owuo Mining Company, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, as its parliamentary candidate for the by-election.

However, David Ankomah, who sought to contest on the ticket of the Action People’s Party (APP), was disqualified by the Electoral Commission (EC) over failing to submit his tax clearance certificate. As a result, the disqualified candidate filed a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission.

He has challenged the EC at the High Court for excluding him for failing to submit his tax clearance certificate. Ankomah argued that the Commission gave him too short a notice to produce the certificate through the Akwatia District Electoral Officer, which caused the delay to provide the required document.

On January 7, 2025, the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana was officially inaugurated to mark the commencement of a new legislative session.

The historic event took place at the Parliament House in Accra, following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight.

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, was re-elected as Speaker of Parliament and sworn in by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, after he had previously served as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament.

His re-election was considered a pivotal moment for the country’s democratic journey, as he continued to lead with his extensive experience in the role.

Following his swearing-in, Bagbin officially presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the 275 Members of Parliament-elect, excluding the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and dignitaries, and marked the beginning of a new legislative era. It was a highly symbolic moment for Ghana’s Parliament, as it represents the new political landscape following the 2024 general elections.

With the NDC securing a majority in the 2024 parliamentary elections, winning 183 seats out of 276, the party retained its leadership team for the new Parliament. The NDC’s leadership team includes: Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam), Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle), Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu), and Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda).

Although the swearing-in ceremony proceeded smoothly, it was overshadowed by a legal dispute concerning the Akwatia parliamentary seat. The Koforidua High Court upheld an injunction restraining the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Ernest Kumi, from presenting himself as the Member of Parliament-elect. The order also prohibited the Clerk of Parliament from administering the oath to him.

The injunction followed a petition filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament, alleging irregularities during the December 7, 2024, elections. The court’s ruling on January 2, 2025, effectively stopped Kumi’s swearing-in.

Counsel for the NPP, Gary Nimako Marfo, argued that the injunction was procedurally flawed and called for its dismissal, insisting that any challenge to election results must be filed within 21 days after gazetting. Nonetheless, the court’s order remains in effect as the case awaits further hearings.

Reacting to the development, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin indicated that Ernest Kumi was prepared to take part in the swearing-in and Speaker election, even at the risk of facing legal repercussions.

However, Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror maintained that permitting Kumi’s participation would contravene the court’s directive.