Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against using their new parliamentary majority to suppress Minority voices.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after swearing in the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, the Speaker called for tolerance and inclusivity.
“Allow your colleagues in the Minority to have their say,” he urged, adding that parliamentary democracy thrives on respect for divergent views.
The swearing-in of Ewurabena Aubynn, who won the recent by-election in Ablekuma North, has given the NDC a two-thirds majority in the House, significantly boosting the governing party’s legislative leverage.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, in an earlier statement, assured the House that the NDC would not misuse its enhanced numbers.
He noted that while the party now has the power to effect constitutional reforms, it would act responsibly and in line with the guidance of President John Dramani Mahama.
“With this, we now have a two-thirds majority. But we will not abuse it. We are mindful of the caution from President Mahama,” Ayariga stated.
The Minority, however, staged a walkout just before the swearing-in ceremony in protest of the rerun election outcome.
Ewurabena Aubynn was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission on July 11, 2025, following a rerun of the election in 19 polling stations.
She secured 34,090 votes, defeating her closest contender, Nana Akua Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The rerun was necessitated by disputes over results from 37 polling stations during the original vote. After extensive consultations, the Electoral Commission decided to conduct a partial rerun, which the NPP unsuccessfully challenged in court.
Although the election witnessed isolated incidents of violence, it was largely peaceful.
Aubynn’s victory further strengthens the NDC’s legislative position in Parliament, setting the stage for potentially significant political developments.
MRA/MA
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