Minister for Local Government Mahama Ayariga confirmed that his departure from Parliament to join the executive was a personal choice driven by a desire to help fix Ghana’s local governance system.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, September 10, the former Majority Leader noted that his work in Parliament had reached a stable stage, making a return to the executive a more meaningful use of his experience.
He highlighted that Parliament had already completed key tasks, including approving the government’s nominees, passing major budgets and approving judicial appointments. Remaining in Parliament, he said, would largely involve waiting for the annual budget and State of the Nation Address, whereas the executive requires sustained, demanding work.
Despite President John Mahama’s initial reluctance to release him, Ayariga expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “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 was appointed Minister for Local Government on August 7 and sworn in on August 29.
