Tensions flared in Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, as members of the Minority staged a walkout during the swearing-in of Ewurabena Aubynn, the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma North.

Aubynn, representing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), was officially sworn in despite the boycott by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority, who continue to contest the legitimacy of her election.

The walkout was triggered by a decision from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who ruled that no comments would be permitted prior to the swearing-in ceremony. The Speaker explained that any statements or concerns could only be raised after the formal induction. The Minority, visibly dissatisfied with this directive, exited the chamber in protest.

Their objections stem from lingering grievances over the July 11 rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election — a process they allege was marred by irregularities, violence, and partisan manipulation. The rerun was ordered by the Electoral Commission after results from the December 2024 general elections were annulled due to disruptions and procedural breaches at several polling stations.

According to the Minority, the NDC leveraged the rerun to overturn an earlier lead held by the NPP in the constituency. They have accused the ruling party of electoral malpractice, including intimidation and voter suppression, and maintain that the process lacked transparency and fairness.

Ablekuma North emerged as one of the most hotly contested constituencies in the 2024 election cycle, with multiple reports of clashes between supporters of the two main political parties. The Electoral Commission’s intervention — which included annulling select polling results and calling for a rerun — was aimed at restoring confidence in the electoral outcome.

Despite the walkout, the ceremony proceeded under the Speaker’s supervision. In a brief address, Speaker Bagbin welcomed Aubynn to Parliament and encouraged her to serve with discipline, diligence, and commitment to her constituents.

Aubynn’s swearing-in brings the NDC’s representation in Parliament to 184 seats, alongside four independent MPs, while the NPP now holds 86 seats. The shift further consolidates the NDC’s legislative majority, intensifying the already high-stakes political dynamics in the House.

Aubynn, representing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), was officially sworn in despite the boycott by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority, who continue to contest the legitimacy of her election.

The walkout was triggered by a decision from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who ruled that no comments would be permitted prior to the swearing-in ceremony. The Speaker explained that any statements or concerns could only be raised after the formal induction. The Minority, visibly dissatisfied with this directive, exited the chamber in protest.

Their objections stem from lingering grievances over the July 11 rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election — a process they allege was marred by irregularities, violence, and partisan manipulation. The rerun was ordered by the Electoral Commission after results from the December 2024 general elections were annulled due to disruptions and procedural breaches at several polling stations.

According to the Minority, the NDC leveraged the rerun to overturn an earlier lead held by the NPP in the constituency. They have accused the ruling party of electoral malpractice, including intimidation and voter suppression, and maintain that the process lacked transparency and fairness.

Ablekuma North emerged as one of the most hotly contested constituencies in the 2024 election cycle, with multiple reports of clashes between supporters of the two main political parties. The Electoral Commission’s intervention — which included annulling select polling results and calling for a rerun — was aimed at restoring confidence in the electoral outcome.

Despite the walkout, the ceremony proceeded under the Speaker’s supervision. In a brief address, Speaker Bagbin welcomed Aubynn to Parliament and encouraged her to serve with discipline, diligence, and commitment to her constituents.

Aubynn’s swearing-in brings the NDC’s representation in Parliament to 184 seats, alongside four independent MPs, while the NPP now holds 86 seats. The shift further consolidates the NDC’s legislative majority, intensifying the already high-stakes political dynamics in the House.