Mahama Ayariga: I left Parliament to help fix Ghana’s local governance system

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, revealed in an interview with Citi FM on September 10 that he left Parliament to address the persistent issues within Ghana’s local governance system. Ayariga explained that his decision to step away from the legislative branch was a personal choice motivated by his desire to contribute to the reform of the local governance system.

He stated that his time in Parliament had reached a point where the crucial government business had been largely accomplished, such as the approval of ministerial nominees, major budget allocations, and judicial appointments. Ayariga further elaborated on his decision to remain in the executive, as opposed to continuing in Parliament, where he would have been required to wait for the annual budget and State of the Nation Address to be presented.

He expressed his intention to leverage his parliamentary experience in an area where he believed significant progress could be made. Ayariga added that he was pleased to assume his role as Minister for Local Government, a position he believed required continuous attention to tackle the pressing governance challenges that needed reform.

President John Mahama appointed Ayariga as the Minister for Local Government on August 7, and he took office on August 29. Although President Mahama initially hesitated to release Ayariga from Parliament, he eventually agreed to his decision to join the executive.