Story: News Desk 

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Tuesday swore into office the newly elected Members of Parliament for Akwatia and Tamale Central, Bernard Bediako Baidoo and Professor Alidu Seidu.

The two legislators, both representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), bring the total number of sitting MPs to 276.

During the brief ceremony, the new members took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament. Professor Alidu Seidu took his oath on the Quran, while Bernard Bediako Baidoo opted for the Bible.

Addressing the House after the swearing-in, Speaker Bagbin reminded the two MPs of their solemn responsibility to serve with integrity and diligence.

“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,” he said.

The Speaker humorously added that to enable them to perform their duties effectively, he would “first give you a hoe and a cutlass — the Constitution and the Standing Orders,” urging them to study these documents thoroughly.

“If you want to discharge your duties well, you must sleep with them — no matter your background,” he advised, drawing laughter from members of the House.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo won the Akwatia by-election with 18,199 votes, following the passing of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi.

In Tamale Central, Professor Alidu Seidu was declared the winner after emerging as the sole candidate in the by-election, which became necessary after the tragic death of the late Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.