Builsa North Member of Parliament, James Agalga, has assumed the position of Majority Leader with a pledge to lead with “utmost humility”, build consensus across the political divide and work with all stakeholders to advance Parliament’s legislative mandate.
Mr Agalga, speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, 2026 following the formal communication of his appointment from the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said his elevation was both a responsibility and a learning opportunity.
He promised to draw on the experience of Speaker Alban Bagbin and other parliamentary leaders in discharging his new role.
“I accept this responsibility with utmost humility. First of all, Mr Speaker, this is a learning curve for me,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Majority Caucus and the Minority bench led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin for the confidence reposed in him.
Mr Agalga said he would particularly rely on the extensive parliamentary experience of Speaker Bagbin, who has served as both Majority and Minority Leader before becoming Speaker of Parliament.
He said the Speaker’s experience would provide important guidance as he takes on the responsibility of coordinating government business in the House.
“I shall continue to tap from your vast experience and wisdom in leading this august House,” Mr Agalga told the Speaker.
Consensus First
Mr Agalga’s central pledge was to pursue a consensus-driven approach in managing relations between the Majority and Minority sides of the House.
He assured the Minority Leader and his colleagues that he would reach out, consult and make compromises where necessary, while remaining committed to advancing the government’s policy agenda.
“My approach in this House would hinge first on consensus building,” he said.
“I would reach out, I would consult, but at the same time I would work to ensure that the Reset Agenda of our President is accomplished for the betterment of all of us.”
The commitment comes as Parliament continues to navigate the demands of legislative scrutiny, government business and the need for cooperation between the two caucuses.
Tribute to Ayariga
The new Majority Leader also paid tribute to his predecessor, Mahama Ayariga, who has been appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Mr Agalga acknowledged Mr Ayariga’s contribution to the Majority Caucus and said he would continue to draw on his guidance despite his departure from the leadership position.
“Honourable Mahama Ayariga, you’ll be leaving this House as Leader but you have assured me that your continuous presence in this House will not be missed, and so I shall continue to rely on you for support and guidance,” he said.
He also assured members of the Majority front bench that he would learn from their experience while providing the leadership required to ensure that government business progressed effectively.
Parliamentary Service
Mr Agalga pledged to work closely with the Parliamentary Service and the Clerk of Parliament, particularly on research, administration and matters relating to the effective functioning of the House.
He described the Clerk as a former colleague from the Law Faculty and Law School and said he would count on his support and that of his team.
He also commended Speaker Bagbin for the cohesion he had fostered between the two sides of the House.
“Your wisdom and experience is what has kept this House together. That kind of cohesion you have managed to foster in this House is very commendable,” Mr Agalga said.
He pledged to learn from the Speaker to sustain unity in the discharge of Parliament’s constitutional mandate as the legislative arm of government.
Press partnership
Mr Agalga also acknowledged the contribution of the Parliamentary Press Corps and pledged to maintain a productive relationship with journalists covering Parliament.
He described the Press Corps as important partners and asked for their continued support as he assumed the Majority Leadership.
“You can count on me and I’ll also count on your support to succeed,” he said.
Mr Agalga’s formal elevation followed a communication from the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, which was read to Parliament by Speaker Bagbin.
A lawyer and former Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr Agalga has represented Builsa North in Parliament and has held senior parliamentary responsibilities in defence, interior and security matters.
By: Christian Kpesese
