Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has been appointed as the new Majority Leader in Ghana’s 9th Parliament.
Ayariga’s elevation follows the nomination of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, as Minister of Finance-designate by President John Dramani Mahama.
The announcement was made on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, January 9, 2024. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, had earlier predicted Ayariga’s appointment due to Dr. Forson’s expected transition to the executive arm of government.
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, MP for Cape Coast South, will assume the role of Deputy Majority Leader, succeeding Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, who is poised to become the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Meanwhile, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi, has been designated as the Majority Chief Whip, taking over from Kwame Governs Agbodza. Agbodza is also anticipated to receive a ministerial appointment.
In related changes, Ahmed Ibrahim, the current Deputy Majority Chief Whip, is set to take on a new role as Minister for Local Government and Decentralisation.
Mahama Ayariga, a seasoned politician and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has held several ministerial roles in the past, including Minister of Information and Media Relations and Minister of Youth and Sports under the John Dramani Mahama administration. His extensive experience in governance and law is expected to bring robust leadership to the Majority Caucus.
These appointments mark significant shifts in the leadership dynamics of Ghana’s Parliament as the government aligns its legislative and executive priorities for the year ahead.
