Mahama Ayariga: It was my choice to return to the Executive

Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has revealed that his decision to return to the Executive branch of government was a personal choice. The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, spoke in an interview on Channel One TV in Accra, revealing that he wanted to make use of his experience, knowledge and expertise in the Executive.

Mr Ayariga explained that after assessing the major tasks of Parliament, he concluded that they had largely been completed. The NDC Majority Caucus, he noted, was relatively stable and had taken care of some of its major responsibilities, such as vetting and approving ministers, approving major budgets and approving nominated judges.

In his view, remaining in Parliament would mean waiting for the Finance Minister's next budget presentation and for the President to deliver another State of the Nation Address. Reflecting on his decision, Mr Ayariga stated that it was, indeed, his choice to rejoin the Executive. He believed that his time and expertise could be more effectively utilized in the Executive, where ministers are required to work throughout the year.

President John Mahama, according to Mr Ayariga, was initially hesitant to allow him to leave his position as Majority Leader, as he believed he was performing well in Parliament. However, the President encouraged him to take up the ministerial position, believing that whoever succeeded him would also be able to work effectively with the President.

Despite this encouragement, Mr Ayariga chose to return to the Executive, confident that he could contribute more directly to the work of government from that position.