Builsa North Member of Parliament, James Agalga, has become the new Majority Leader in Ghana’s Ninth Parliament following the nomination of his predecessor, Mahama Ayariga, as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
His appointment marks another milestone in a parliamentary career spanning more than a decade, during which he has established himself as one of the country’s leading voices on national security, constitutional governance and legislative affairs.
A lawyer by profession, Agalga has represented the people of Builsa North in the Upper East Region since 2013 on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Before entering Parliament, he practised law and later served as Deputy Minister for the Interior during President John Dramani Mahama’s first administration between 2013 and 2017.
Born on June 10, 1979, at Chuchuliga in the Upper East Region, Agalga attended Navrongo Senior High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ghana. He was subsequently called to the Ghana Bar after completing his professional legal training at the Ghana School of Law. He also holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Peace and Security.
In Parliament, James Agalga currently serves as Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee, where he has led parliamentary oversight of Ghana’s security agencies and contributed significantly to debates on defence, policing, internal security and justice sector reforms.
Over the years, he has also served on several key parliamentary committees, including the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, the Appointments Committee and the Committee of Selection, earning respect across the political divide for his legal expertise and measured contributions to national issues.
As Majority Leader, Agalga assumes responsibility for steering government business in Parliament, coordinating the Majority Caucus, managing the legislative agenda and working with the Speaker and leadership of both sides of the House to facilitate the passage of government bills and policies.
His appointment comes at a critical period as Parliament prepares to consider several major legislative reforms especially Constitutional amendments and other government policy initiatives in the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament.
By: Christian Kpesese
