Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has clarified that his decision to leave Parliament’s Majority Leader position and return to the Executive was voluntary.
His explanation follows public speculation about the circumstances surrounding his reassignment after President John Dramani Mahama’s ministerial reshuffle.
Ayariga said the National Democratic Congress Majority Caucus had already completed much of the government’s most demanding parliamentary business. This included vetting and approving ministerial nominees, passing major government budgets and considering key judicial appointments.
According to him, the successful execution of those responsibilities meant that the Majority side had completed a significant part of the work required to establish and advance the government’s agenda in Parliament.
He explained that remaining in Parliament would involve waiting for periodic events such as the Finance Minister’s next budget presentation and the President’s State of the Nation Address.
Ayariga noted that Parliament also observes extended recesses during which legislative activities are limited. He, therefore, believed his time and experience could be used more effectively in the Executive, where ministers work throughout the year to implement government policies and programs.
The minister disclosed that President Mahama was initially reluctant to approve his departure from the Majority Leader position because he believed Ayariga was performing well in Parliament.
However, Ayariga said he assured the President that whoever succeeded him would be capable of managing government business effectively in the House. He also convinced the President that he could make a more direct contribution to the administration by serving in the Executive.
Ayariga expressed satisfaction with his appointment to the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry, describing the portfolio as an opportunity to address persistent challenges affecting communities across the country.
He identified structural weaknesses in Ghana’s decentralized governance system and sanitation difficulties as areas requiring urgent attention. He said his focus would be on improving local administration and finding lasting solutions to problems that have affected metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies for years.
The minister’s comments seek to dispel claims that his departure from the Majority Leader position was forced or resulted from dissatisfaction with his performance.
He maintained that the move reflected his personal preference to take on a full-time executive responsibility and contribute more directly to the implementation of the government’s development agenda.
Source: Omanghana
