Kumasi, Ghana – By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
Ewurabena Aubynn of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was on Tuesday sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, in a ceremony overshadowed by a walkout staged by the Minority in Parliament.
The swearing-in followed her victory in the recently held by-election, which was ordered after the Electoral Commission annulled the December 2024 parliamentary results in the constituency due to irregularities in 19 polling stations.
Ms. Aubynn, who secured a narrow win over the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, was administered the oath of office by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin.
However, members of the Minority, made up of the NPP caucus, boycotted the proceedings in protest. The group has questioned the credibility of the rerun, alleging procedural flaws and voter suppression in parts of the constituency. Their Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, reportedly led the walkout moments before the oath was administered.
Despite the protest, the ceremony proceeded smoothly, with Ms. Aubynn taking her seat in Parliament for the first time. Her swearing-in marginally increases the NDC’s numerical advantage in the House, a development that could influence future parliamentary votes.
The Ablekuma North seat has historically been a stronghold of the NPP, making the NDC’s victory in the rerun especially significant. Political observers have described the outcome as a potential sign of shifting voter sentiment in urban constituencies.
With her inauguration now formalized, Ewurabena Aubynn is expected to begin her full duties as a legislator, representing one of Accra’s most populous and politically active constituencies.
