The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Tuesday officially swore into office the newly elected Members of Parliament for Akwatia and Tamale Central, Bernard Bediako Baidoo and Professor Alidu Seidu, both representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The brief swearing-in ceremony, held in the Chamber of Parliament, saw the two lawmakers take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament before the Speaker. Professor Seidu took his oath on the Quran, while Mr. Baidoo swore on the Bible. Their induction brings the total number of sitting MPs to 276.
Addressing the House after the ceremony, Speaker Bagbin congratulated the new members and reminded them of the gravity of their responsibilities as representatives of the people.
“I will hold you to the two oaths you have sworn, particularly the one where you pledged to faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a Member of Parliament,” Mr. Bagbin stated.
With a touch of humour, the Speaker told the new MPs that he would first arm them with “a hoe and a cutlass — the Constitution and the Standing Orders,” describing the two documents as essential tools for effective parliamentary work.
“If you want to discharge your duties well, you must sleep with them — no matter your background,” he quipped, drawing laughter from both sides of the House.
The new Akwatia MP, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, secured victory in the by-election with 18,199 votes, following the death of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi.
In Tamale Central, Professor Alidu Seidu was declared elected unopposed after emerging as the sole candidate in the by-election necessitated by the tragic passing of the late Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The swearing-in marks a symbolic renewal of representation in the Eighth Parliament, as both MPs pledged to work diligently in advancing the interests of their constituents and contributing to the nation’s legislative agenda.
