President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as ministers following their approval by Parliament.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, formally marks the beginning of their tenure as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, respectively.
The two ministers took their oaths after Parliament unanimously approved their nominations following their appearances before the Appointments Committee.
Ayariga takes charge of Local Government Ministry
Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, now assumes responsibility for a ministry whose mandate includes local government administration, decentralisation, chieftaincy affairs and engagement with traditional and religious institutions.
During his parliamentary vetting on August 27, Ayariga identified improved cooperation between Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as one of the areas he intends to focus on.
He is also expected to work closely with local authorities and traditional institutions as the government seeks to strengthen governance and development at the local level.
Ayariga also addressed concerns surrounding his ties to the Mamprugu traditional area during his vetting.
He assured the Mamprugu Traditional Council and the wider public that he would discharge his duties fairly and impartially, regardless of his personal connections to the area.
Zanetor assumes Environment, Science and Technology portfolio
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has meanwhile taken charge of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
Her new portfolio covers a broad range of national priorities, including environmental protection, scientific research, technological advancement and policies designed to support sustainable development.
She is expected to work with government agencies, researchers, industry players and development partners to advance initiatives within the sector.
Her appointment comes at a time when environmental sustainability, scientific innovation and technology are increasingly central to Ghana’s development agenda.
Ministers take constitutional oaths
At Saturday’s ceremony, President Mahama administered the Oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy and Oath of Allegiance to both ministers.
The swearing-in followed Parliament’s approval on Friday, August 27, completing the parliamentary stage of their appointments and allowing the President to formally induct them into office.
With the two ministers now sworn in, Ayariga and Dr Zanetor are expected to immediately begin work on the mandates of their respective ministries.
Their appointments add to President Mahama’s ministerial team as the government continues to implement its policies in local governance, environmental protection, science, technology and sustainable development.
