Adnan Adams Mohammed
In a first reshuffle of Parliamentary leadership on the majority side, Hon Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has assumed his leadership position as Majority leader today, January 23, 2025.
He replaced the finance minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who has been the minority leader since the beginning of 2023 under the eighth parliament and majority leader since January 7, 2025, under the ninth Parliament.
The five-term MP, representing Bawku Central on the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, eighth and ninth Parliaments comes to office with vast experience in Parliamentary business. In a statement issued to acknowledge his acceptance of the leadership position, the calm, unassuming but brainy legal practitioner pledged to draw inspiration from the legacies of former leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament as he assumes his role as Majority Leader.
“I am guided by the illustrious precedents set by former distinguished leaders of our caucus. Twenty years ago, our current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, led us. Then Hon. Cletus Avoka, Hon. Benjamin Kunbuor, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and most recently, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson. Their leadership styles will remain guideposts,” Ayariga said as he affirmed the NDC caucus’s commitment to pursuing President John Dramani Mahama’s agenda to “reset Ghana.”
“As Leader of the House and Leader of Government Business, I assure the people of Ghana that, consistent with the overwhelming mandate given to President John Dramani Mahama and the 187 members of this caucus, we will rigorously pursue the agenda to reset Ghana,” he stated.
Mr Ayariga also emphasized a commitment to inclusivity, consensus-building, and national unity, vowing not to abuse the NDC’s numerical advantage in Parliament.
“As President John Dramani Mahama has said, these overwhelming numbers will not be abused. Even though we are an overwhelming majority, we will strive for inclusivity, consensus-building, and deeply uphold the principles of probity and accountability in the fulfillment of the dreams of our founding fathers. We will foster national unity, advance democracy, and ensure equitable development.”
Mr Ayariga is expected to bring a fresh, pragmatic approach to leading the Majority Caucus.
Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a vocal advocate for his constituents and a key contributor to legislative debates. His leadership style is anticipated to prioritize fostering unity within the Majority Caucus while advancing the government’s legislative agenda.
The reshuffle has also significantly changed other key parliamentary roles. Cape Coast South MP, Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, succeeded Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as Deputy Majority Leader, following Buah’s nomination as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. Ricketts-Hagan, recognized for his strategic insights and leadership acumen, is expected to work closely with Ayariga to ensure seamless coordination of parliamentary business.
Also, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, the Member of Parliament of South Dayi in the Volta Region replaces Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, as the Majority Chief Whip.
There is also speculation about a potential promotion for Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, the MP for Ada and current Second Deputy Whip. Reports suggest she may be elevated to the position of First Deputy Whip.
