Leaving Majority Leader role for ministerial position was my choice – Mahama Ayariga

Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has disclosed that his decision to leave the position for a ministerial role was entirely his choice.

The Bawku Central Member of Parliament was appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in President John Dramani Mahama's recent ministerial reshuffle announced in August 2026.

His move from Parliament to the Executive had sparked speculation, with some suggesting that he may have been unhappy about being removed as Majority Leader.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday, September 10, Ayariga said he opted to return to the Executive because he believed Parliament was relatively stable and he could contribute more directly to the government's work.

“I read speculations when the announcement was made, and truth be told, it was my choice to rejoin the executive arm of government,” he said.

The Bawku Central MP said the NDC Majority Caucus had already completed some of Parliament's major tasks since taking office in 2025, including vetting and approving ministers, passing the government's budgets and approving nominees to the judiciary.

He explained that, having served in Parliament for some time, many of the remaining duties were routine and offered him an opportunity to contribute his experience and expertise elsewhere.

He said he therefore considered joining the Executive a better avenue to support President Mahama's administration and help deliver on its mandate.

“I thought I could go back and join them and make my experience and knowledge and expertise available to the executive arm of government,” he said.

Mr Ayariga disclosed that President Mahama had initially been reluctant to allow him to leave Parliament because he believed he was performing well as Majority Leader.