Ayariga, Agyeman-Rawlings confirmed as ministers after vetting

Parliament has officially endorsed the appointments of Mahama Ayariga and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as ministers in President John Dramani Mahama's administration. Ayariga, a former Majority Leader and Chairman of Parliament’s Business Committee, has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, on the other hand, assumes the role of Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, overseeing environmental protection, scientific research, technological advancement, and policies addressing environmental issues. These appointments were validated following their scrutiny by Parliament’s Appointments Committee earlier that day.

Upon reviewing the Appointments Committee’s report on the nominees, the House approved both appointments through a voice vote, with Speaker Alban Bagbin confirming that the Ayes had it. Speaker Bagbin cited Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution as the basis for the approval, stating that the House had accordingly approved the nominations of President Mahama’s chosen individuals as Ministers of State in line with the Constitution.

The approvals are part of President Mahama's ongoing efforts to reshape his ministerial team, with the aim of advancing his administration's policy objectives in local governance, environmental protection, science, and technology.