President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Ministers of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Environment, Science and Technology, respectively.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution at the Presidency and was witnessed by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Both new ministers are Members of Parliament, with Mahama Ayariga representing Bawku Central in the Upper East Region and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings representing Klottey Korle in the Greater Accra Region.
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Ayariga is a lawyer and former Majority Leader of Parliament who has previously served as a Minister of State in the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Environment, Science and Technology.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, meanwhile, brings parliamentary experience, medical training and humanitarian service to her new role as Environment, Science and Technology Minister.
President Mahama charged the two ministers to serve with integrity, humility, fairness and fidelity to the Constitution, reminding them that public office is both a privilege and a responsibility.
He urged them to put the national interest first and discharge their duties with courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana.
Addressing Mahama Ayariga, President Mahama said the new Local Government Minister is assuming responsibility for the ministry at an important stage of Ghana’s national development.
He said Ayariga’s experience as a legislator, lawyer and former minister would be valuable in advancing the government’s agenda.
“Your years in public life are giving you a deep appreciation of public administration, parliamentary accountability and the importance of building consensus across our diverse society,” the President said.
President Mahama noted that local government is the level at which ordinary citizens most directly encounter the state through Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He therefore tasked Ayariga with making decentralisation more meaningful to citizens, while ensuring that MMDAs become more accountable, financially disciplined and responsive to community needs.
The President also urged the minister to help restore order to Ghana’s cities and towns by addressing poor spatial planning, uncontrolled developments, sanitation challenges, congestion and the encroachment on public spaces.
President Mahama said Ayariga’s responsibility for chieftaincy and religious affairs would require wisdom, patience and impartiality.
He described traditional authorities as indispensable partners in national development and custodians of Ghana’s cultural heritage.
He also recognised the contribution of religious institutions to education, healthcare, social protection, peacebuilding and national cohesion.
The President tasked Ayariga with engaging religious institutions with respect and fairness, stressing that Ghana’s religious and cultural diversity must remain a source of strength rather than division.
He further called on the government to protect freedom of worship, promote tolerance and ensure that no citizen is marginalised because of their faith or ethnic background.
Turning to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, President Mahama said the new Environment, Science and Technology Minister brings a combination of medical training, parliamentary experience and humanitarian service to the position.
He said her medical background provides an important perspective on the relationship between environmental protection and public health.
According to President Mahama, polluted rivers, contaminated soils, poor sanitation, unsafe air and indiscriminate waste disposal eventually affect the health of Ghanaians and place additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
“You must provide determined leadership to protect Ghana’s natural resources and secure a healthier future for generations yet unborn,” the President said.
President Mahama identified the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies through illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as one of the country’s most serious threats.
He said his administration would continue to take firm action against activities that prioritise private profit over the collective wellbeing of Ghanaians.
The President stressed that environmental protection must be anchored in sound science, effective regulation, consistent enforcement and the active participation of affected communities.
He also tasked Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings with placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of Ghana’s national development.
“We must strengthen scientific research, encourage innovation, support local inventors and deepen collaboration amongst our universities, our research institutions and industry,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his colleague, Mahama Ayariga thanked President Mahama for the confidence reposed in them and for assigning them to the two important ministries.
He pledged that the two ministers would work to deliver on the government’s commitments to Ghanaians and help realise the Reset Agenda promised by President Mahama during the 2024 election campaign.
The swearing-in of Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings marks the beginning of their new responsibilities as the Mahama administration seeks to advance its agenda in local governance, environmental protection, science and technology, chieftaincy and religious affairs.