The political landscape of Ghana shifted on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with the official swearing-in of Ewurabena Aubynn as the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North. This ceremony, presided over by Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, solidified the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s two-thirds majority in Parliament, a significant development with far-reaching implications for the party’s legislative agenda and overall political standing. Aubynn’s victory in the rerun election, necessitated by the nullification of the December 2024 results, was hard-fought and concluded by a narrow margin, adding to the already charged political atmosphere surrounding the Ablekuma North seat. The swearing-in, however, was marked by a dramatic walkout by the Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who contested the validity of the rerun election and the subsequent outcome.
The NPP’s boycott of the swearing-in ceremony stemmed from their persistent allegations of irregularities during the July rerun election. They accused the Electoral Commission of overseeing a flawed process, claiming that various anomalies, including unsigned pink sheets and procedural lapses, compromised the integrity of the election. This stance underscores the deep-seated distrust between the two major political parties and the ongoing tension surrounding electoral processes in Ghana. The NPP’s absence from the chamber left the swearing-in ceremony attended solely by Majority members and invited guests, highlighting the political divide and the seriousness of the NPP’s allegations. Their walkout, a highly visible form of protest, served as a stark reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding the Ablekuma North election and the broader concerns about electoral transparency.
Ewurabena Aubynn’s victory in the rerun, held across 19 polling stations, was secured by a slim margin of 209 votes. This narrow victory reflects the highly competitive nature of the Ablekuma North constituency and the deep political divisions within its electorate. The initial December 2024 election results were nullified due to identified irregularities, leading to the July rerun and the subsequent controversy surrounding the outcome. The Electoral Commission’s decision to call for a rerun, while intended to address the initial irregularities, ultimately fueled further contention between the NDC and NPP. The close margin of Aubynn’s victory only intensified the NPP’s claims of a flawed process, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious political landscape.
Following her swearing-in, Aubynn addressed the chamber, expressing gratitude to her constituents for their support and pledging to serve with integrity, dedication, and fairness. Her commitment to representing the people of Ablekuma North, despite the surrounding controversy, signifies her intention to focus on the needs of her constituency. Her statement, “This victory belongs to the people of Ablekuma North. I will work tirelessly to earn your trust every single day in Parliament,” underscores her dedication to serving her constituents and her awareness of the need to build trust and bridge the political divides within the constituency. This commitment to service and her acknowledgement of the responsibility entrusted to her by the voters of Ablekuma North signals her intention to prioritize the needs of her constituency.
The NPP, however, has remained steadfast in its opposition to the rerun election outcome, vowing to pursue further action to challenge what they term “glaring breaches of electoral conduct.” Their commitment to investigating the alleged irregularities signals their refusal to accept the results and their determination to pursue legal and parliamentary avenues to contest Aubynn’s victory. Party officials have indicated their intention to pursue legal action and file parliamentary motions to challenge the outcome, setting the stage for further political battles and legal proceedings. This continued opposition highlights the deep divisions within Ghana’s political system and the ongoing struggle for electoral transparency and accountability.
The NDC, celebrating Aubynn’s induction as a significant political victory, views her win as a reinforcement of their legislative power and a positive indicator of growing public support. The two-thirds majority attained in Parliament provides the NDC with a stronger platform to advance their legislative agenda and implement significant national reforms. They see this outcome as a mandate to pursue their policy goals and a sign of increasing public confidence in their leadership. This strengthened position in Parliament empowers the NDC to pursue its political objectives and enact its legislative priorities with greater ease, signifying a potential shift in the balance of power and influence within the Ghanaian political landscape.
