Mahama Ayariga lacks grassroots experience for Local Gov’t Ministry – Mireku Duker

Former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Mireku Duker has questioned whether former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has the grassroots experience required to effectively lead the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Mr Duker said although Mr Ayariga was an experienced parliamentarian, lawyer and former minister, the responsibilities of the Local Government Ministry were different and required a strong understanding of grassroots politics and local governance.

“I don't see him as a local person. To be even a local government minister, I don't see him as such,” he said.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Mr Duker said the ministry required a minister who could relate directly with ordinary Ghanaians and understand the dynamics of local governance.

“We need a very local person who resonates,” he said.

Mr Duker, who previously served as a Municipal Chief Executive and worked at the Local Government Ministry, said his assessment was based on his experience with the ministry and an understanding of how local governance operates.

“I've been a municipal chief executive before. I've worked at the Ministry of Local Government before. So I know how it works, the dynamics of the ministry,” he said.

He said there was an important distinction between serving as a Member of Parliament and leading the Local Government Ministry, arguing that parliamentary experience did not necessarily translate into the grassroots political experience required for the portfolio.

“He's up there as a Member of Parliament who understands the rigours of Parliament, but not necessarily a local politician like Ahmed,” he said, referring to Ibrahim Ahmed, who has been reassigned from the Local Government Ministry to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

Mr Duker said Mr Ayariga had demonstrated competence in other ministerial roles, including his previous positions as Minister for Environment and Minister for Information, but questioned whether his experience was suited to local government.

He nevertheless praised Mr Ayariga personally, describing him as a friend and a highly capable lawyer.

“Ayariga is a fine gentleman. He's really deep. He's my friend. I know him very well and I can vouch for him,” Mr Duker said.

“A very good lawyer as well. I've been with him for a long time,” he added.

President John Dramani Mahama announced the latest ministerial appointments and reassignments on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Under the changes, Mr Ayariga was appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Ibrahim Ahmed was reassigned from the ministry to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

Kenneth Gilbert Adjei was also reassigned from the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry to the Ministry of Defence, while Dr Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings was appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

-citinewsroom