Five term Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central constitency in the Upper East region, Mahama Ayariga has taken over the mantle of leadership as the new Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament.
Mr Ayariga succeeds Ajumaku Enyan Essiam representative in the Central region, Dr Casiel Ato Baah Forson who is now Ghana’s minister of Finace.
In a related development, Cape Coast South MP in the Central region, George Kweku Riketts -Hagan replaces Ellembele lawmaker, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as Deputy Majority leader.
Mr Buah is now Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
South Dayi lawmaker from the Volta region, Rockson Nelson Kwame Etse Dafeamekpor becomes the next Majority Chief Whip replacing the member for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza who is now minister for Roads and Highways whiles Ada Member of Parliament from the Greater Accra region, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe has been promoted from Second Deputy Majority Whip to First Deputy Majority Whip.
Richard Acheampong, the Member for Bia West in the Western North region becomes the new Second Deputy Majority Whip.
In acceptance speech on the floor of the House on Thursday 23 January, 2025, the new Majority leader, Mr Ayariga pledged to ensure that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s significant parliamentary majority is wielded responsibly and inclusively.
Mr Ayariga emphasised the need for consensus-building and unity for the conduct of business in the House.
He reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s assurance that the overwhelming numbers held by the majority would not be misused.
“As President John Dramani Mahama has said, these overwhelming numbers will not be abused,” Mr Ayariga declared.
“Even though we are an overwhelming majority, we will strive for inclusivity, consensus-building and deeply uphold the principles of probity and accountability in the fulfilment of the dreams of our founding fathers.”
He further committed to advancing democracy and national unity while ensuring equitable development across the country.
Mr Ayariga acknowledged that the journey ahead would not be without challenges but expressed optimism in the ability of Parliament to surmount obstacles through constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
“The road ahead will not be without challenges, but I am confident that together, through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, we can overcome any obstacles and deliver on our collective vision,” he concluded.
By: Christian Kpesese
