The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has explained that his decision to accept a role in the executive was a personal choice, largely influenced by his desire to contribute to fixing the country's local governance system.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on September 10, 2026, the former Majority Leader said he believed Parliament had reached a relatively stable stage, making it an appropriate time for him to make his experience and expertise available to the executive.

He explained that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus in Parliament had already completed much of the “heavy lifting”, including forming the government, vetting and approving government nominees, passing major budgets and approving judicial appointments.

“One of the major functions of Parliament, which is helping the President set up government, has been done. Helping him take off in terms of economic management has been done,” he said.

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According to Ayariga, his role in Parliament would increasingly involve waiting for the Finance Minister to present the next budget and for the President to deliver the annual State of the Nation Address.

“It can get boring. It can get boring after a while, and then you have long breaks sometimes during the break. For instance, this recess, it's close to three months.

“So, I'm wondering what do I do with myself for three months? Ministers are working 24 hours and throughout the week and throughout the year. So, I thought I could go back and join them and make my experience and knowledge and expertise available to the executive arm of government. It was my choice to rejoin the executive arm of government,” Ayariga said.

He disclosed that President John Mahama was initially reluctant to release him from Parliament because he was considered to be performing well in the House.

“The President was honestly reluctant because he said, everybody says you are doing well in Parliament. I said, don’t worry. Whoever comes after me will help him to do well as well. I want to help you here to also do well in the executive,” he noted.

Ayariga said he was particularly pleased to take up the Local Government portfolio because he believes the sector requires significant attention.

“I was happy to go to Local Government because I have always felt that that’s really where we need a lot of fixing,” he added.

JKB/BAI

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