Ayariga, Zanetor Get’s Parliamentary Approval for Local Government, Environment Ministries

Parliament has unanimously approved the nominations of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings as Ministers for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Environment, Science and Technology respectively.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, presented to the House by its Chairman, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor.
The report was subsequently debated by Members before the House unanimously approved the two nominations.
In his closing remarks, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, congratulated the two nominees and urged them to go the extra mile in addressing the challenges confronting their respective ministries.
He reminded them that their new responsibilities would require them to combine their roles as Members of Parliament with their ministerial duties, while continuing to draw on the experience and responsibilities they had previously carried in the House.
“You are going to wear additional hats and that’s not going to be easy. You have to combine your role as a Member of Parliament as a Minister of State and also even what you are leaving behind here you have to still carry that along,” the Speaker said.
The Speaker singled out Mr Ayariga, who is the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, stressing that his new assignment would be particularly demanding.
“And particularly my son, Honourable Mahama Ayariga, you have a very tall mountain to climb,” he said, assuring the nominees of Parliament’s support to enable them deliver on their mandates.
Mr Ayariga assumes responsibility for the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry at a time when the sector faces significant challenges, including decentralisation, local governance and chieftaincy-related disputes.
Dr Agyemang-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, takes charge of the Environment, Science and Technology Ministry, with key challenges including illegal mining, environmental degradation, climate change and the strengthening of science and technology for national development.
The two nominees are also expected to continue serving as Members of Parliament while undertaking their ministerial responsibilities, placing additional demands on their roles in both the Executive and Legislature.
The Speaker concluded by congratulating them and calling for their successful delivery of the responsibilities entrusted to them.
“So congratulations and the Almighty God himself will bless both of you,” he said.