The National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)–Ghana has congratulated the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and former Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, on his appointment as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The Platform said the appointment was a recognition of Ayariga’s experience, competence and commitment to public service, expressing confidence that he would bring the requisite knowledge, experience and leadership to the Ministry.

In a congratulatory message dated September 7, 2026, and signed by the President of QMP–Ghana and Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, and the Executive Secretary, Nana Ansua, Paramount Queen Mother of the Drobo Traditional Area, the Platform said it was particularly encouraged by the appointment because the new Minister was not new to issues confronting the traditional institution and Queen Mothers across the country.

The Queen Mothers identified persistent chieftaincy disputes and conflicts in several traditional areas as one of their major concerns, saying such disputes had, in some instances, undermined peace, unity and development in communities.

They expressed hope that under Ayariga’s leadership, renewed efforts would be made to address longstanding chieftaincy-related challenges and promote peaceful coexistence within the various traditional areas.

The Platform also drew the Minister’s attention to difficulties encountered by some Queen Mothers in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities, including alleged intimidation and undue pressure from some chiefs.

Another major concern raised was the exclusion of Queen Mothers from decisions affecting their communities, despite their integral role in the traditional institution and community development.

According to the Platform, such situations could undermine the authority, dignity and effectiveness of Queen Mothers and limit their ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the country.

The Queen Mothers therefore appealed to Ayariga to help create an environment in which they could effectively perform their traditional and developmental roles without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions.

They said strengthening the position and voice of Queen Mothers would, in turn, strengthen the traditional institution and contribute significantly to national development.

The QMP–Ghana pledged its full support and cooperation to the Minister in the discharge of his duties, indicating its readiness to work closely with the Ministry and other relevant stakeholders to promote peace, unity, development and the strengthening of traditional institutions.

The Platform expressed confidence that Ayariga’s tenure would bring renewed attention to the concerns of Queen Mothers and contribute to finding lasting solutions to some of the challenges confronting traditional areas across the country.

It concluded by congratulating the Minister once again on his appointment and wishing him success in his new role.