The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, officially administered the oath of office to Baba Jamal M. Ahmed on Tuesday, March 10, confirming him as the new Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso East constituency.
The swearing-in ceremony follows Alhaji Jamal’s victory in the March 3 by-election, which was held to fill the vacancy left by the late Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama.
Alhaji Jamal, a member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), previously served as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region between 2009 and 2013. To contest the Ayawaso East seat, he resigned from his diplomatic post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
His return to the legislature comes after a competitive primary on February 7, which was marked by significant controversy and allegations of vote-buying.
During the ceremony, Speaker Bagbin reminded the new legislator of his primary responsibility to his constituents and the nation. The Speaker noted that Alhaji Jamal had voluntarily offered himself for service and stated that he would hold the MP accountable to the people of Ayawaso East.
Despite the formality of the induction, the first day of Alhaji Jamal’s tenure drew immediate public attention after he was observed dozing in his seat in the parliamentary chamber shortly after the swearing-in proceedings concluded.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
