Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Majority Leader, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has pledged that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) will exercise its newly secured two-thirds majority in Parliament with restraint and a focus on national development.
Following the swearing-in of Madam Ewurabena Aubynn as the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Mr. Ayariga expressed confidence that the NDC’s expanded parliamentary strength—now standing at 188 seats including allied Independent MPs—positions the party to effect transformative legislative reforms.
“For the first time in a very long time, the NDC has two-thirds in this House,” Mr. Ayariga said. “With this number, we can do many good things for this country—including carrying out significant constitutional reforms. But I want to assure Ghanaians that we will not abuse this mandate. We will use it wisely, in the service of our people.”
The newly acquired supermajority follows the July 11 by-election in Ablekuma North, where Madam Aubynn narrowly defeated her New Patriotic Party (NPP) opponent, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, by 34,090 votes to 33,881.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Speaker Alban Bagbin administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to Madam Aubynn and presented her with copies of the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders, urging her to live up to the expectations of her constituents. “The people expect you to improve their lives. It is a trust; do not abuse it,” Mr. Bagbin advised.
However, the session was not without controversy. The Minority Caucus, now reduced to 87 members after the passing of Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, staged a walkout after the Speaker declined a request by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh to make a preliminary statement before the swearing-in.
Despite the walkout, the NDC’s growing dominance in Parliament marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Mr. Ayariga reiterated the party’s commitment to using its numbers to “reset Ghana,” promising inclusive governance and constitutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of Ghanaians.
Observers now turn to the NDC-led Parliament to see whether its pledges of responsible stewardship will translate into concrete legislative action.
