A financial industry expert, Dr. Edward Ato Sarpong, has been appointed to lead the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) as the Acting Managing Director.
The business development expert and Chartered Accountant comes to the struggling bank with enormous experience in the finance sector.
Many Ghanaians, especially those within the financial industry and his political allies, acknowledge his appointment as a proof of his exceptional leadership dexterities and dedication to public service. Says a leading financial journalist who is very conversant with the appointee, “Dr. Ato Sarpong’s impressive background in business, finance and governance makes him the ideal candidate for this position. His experience as a former Deputy Minister for Communications add to his advantage to help him better master control over the complex challenges and drive growth. His ability to think strategically and make informed decisions will undoubtedly serve him well in this new role.”
“Dr. Ato Sarpong’s commitment to excellence has earned him recognition and respect from party faithful’s and Ghanaians at large, and this appointment is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his hard work and expertise”, the Central regional branch Organiser of the NDC, Mike Derry extolled.
Dr. Ato Sarpong’s new role at the Agricultural Development Bank presents an exciting opportunity for him to make a meaningful impact on the country’s agricultural sector. Dr Ato Sarpong’s leadership and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the bank’s success and help drive economic growth in Ghana.
NDC chieftains are confident that Dr. Ato Sarpong will excel in his new position and will make the party and indeed the whole country proud.
Profile of Dr.Edward Ato Sarpong
Born on March 29, 1969, he is a business mogul, chartered accountant, leadership and business consultant, executive coach, speaker, author, and a politician in Ghana.
He started his working life as a messenger in the accounts department of Automotive and Technical Services (ATS).
From there, he did a one year course at the Snaps College of Accountancy and then secured admission to the Institute of Professional Studies, now University of Professional Studies (UPS), where he studied for his Institute of Chartered Accountants certificate.
Dr.Sarpong while at the UPSA, combined work and school in order to make some money to pay his tuition fees.
Dr.Sarpong has worked at Kenbert Mines as their Accountant and during that period, he frequently travelled from Accra to Ntronang, a small village in the Birim North District within the Eastern Region, where he was paying the workers who were doing exploration for the company.
After a short stay, he started his professional practice as an Audit Trainee at Owusu & Fiadjoe, which later became Fiadjoe & Associates and then Ernst & Young as it is known today.
Since then, he had never looked back as he worked with SCOA Ghana Limited, which was then the sole distributor of Peugeot, Opel and Chevrolet vehicles in Ghana, as Chief Accountant from 1999 until it was liquidated in 2002.
Other positions he has held include: Finance Manager for Africa Online Ghana Limited and then as the Regional Financial Controller, West Africa, for Africa Online Holdings, before rising to become Managing Director for Africa Online Ghana Limited.
From there, he became the Regional Managing Director – West Africa for Africa Online Holdings Limited, and then the Lead Consultant and Chief Operating Officer for K-Net Limited, a provider of connectivity solutions to banks and corporate institutions in Ghana, He has also worked as the Lead Consultant and Director, Operations and Commercial, for TV3 Network Limited
Dr.Sarpong, who is now a Chartered Accountant, had also worked as a Business Consultant for Multimedia Group Limited, owners of Joy FM, Adom FM, Multi TV and others, as well as a Business Consultant and Trainer for Edge Capital Partners, his own firm, since 2011, and has served as a business and leadership trainer and motivational speaker.
Over the last decade, Ghana’s Hajj system has experienced a profound evolution, showcasing a commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience for Ghanaian Muslims. The Hajj, one of Islam’s Five Pillars, has been a vital spiritual undertaking for Muslims for over 1,400 years, symbolizing unity, devotion, and equality before God. Ghana’s participation in this sacred tradition dates back centuries when pilgrims would travel on arduous journeys by foot, camel caravans, or by sea. These early travels were fraught with hardship, often lasting months and requiring immense resources and resilience.
I. C. Quaye
With the advent of air travel in the 20th century, the Hajj process became more accessible but remained fraught with challenges such as delayed visas, logistical issues, and inadequate support. However, over the last ten years, Ghana’s Hajj system has undergone systematic reforms, creating a smoother and more dignified process for the country’s pilgrims.
One of the standout reforms has been the introduction of the Universal Bagging System. Previously, pilgrims often faced the distressing issue of missing luggage, which could compromise their Hajj experience and lead to additional financial burdens. The Universal Bagging System not only eliminated these losses but also streamlined the logistics of luggage management. By integrating the bagging system into the overall Hajj package, the need for a separate cargo system was removed, significantly reducing associated costs. This innovation exemplifies the system’s focus on efficiency and pilgrim convenience.
Ben Abdallah
Visa processing has been another area of significant improvement. In the past, delays in visa issuance caused anxiety and uncertainty among prospective pilgrims, with some even missing the opportunity to perform the Hajj. Today, the process has been streamlined, ensuring that anyone who pays their fees is guaranteed a visa. This timely and reliable system alleviates stress and ensures that the focus remains on spiritual preparation.
Food services have also seen substantial enhancements, with meals now provided at every critical location on the pilgrimage journey. Pilgrims are assured of nutritious and timely meals in Makkah, Madinah, Mina, and even at the airport, ensuring that their energy and focus are sustained throughout the physically demanding pilgrimage. This improvement reflects a deeper understanding of the practical needs of pilgrims.
The provision of Zamzam water has also been revolutionized. Previously, pilgrims would face logistical challenges in obtaining and transporting this sacred water back to Ghana. Today, Zamzam water is shipped to Ghana in advance, ensuring that pilgrims receive it conveniently upon their return. This logistical foresight eliminates the strain on returning pilgrims and allows them to focus on their spiritual fulfillment.
Orientation sessions at the Hajj Village have resolved longstanding issues of misinformation and confusion. Pilgrims now receive clear and comprehensive briefings on their journey, ensuring that they understand every step of the process. This proactive approach prevents the chaotic last-minute rushes that were common in previous years and allows pilgrims to embark on their journey with confidence.
Ibrahim Tanko
Transportation has been significantly upgraded, with high-quality buses ensuring seamless travel between key sites such as Madinah, Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jeddah. These modern vehicles prioritize safety, comfort, and punctuality, enabling pilgrims to focus on their spiritual obligations without worrying about logistical challenges.
A major innovation has been announced by the deployment of service personnel from the police, fire service, and military to assist task teams. Their presence ensures order, security, and rapid responses to emergencies, further enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims.
The success of these reforms is a testament to the leadership and dedication of various individuals across different regimes. Alhaji Alhassan Bene, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, Hon. I.C. Quaye, and Hon. Ben Abdallah have all played pivotal roles in advancing Ghana’s Hajj system. However, special gratitude must be given to the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ghana with their hardworking employees, who worked tirelessly over the years to see these progress. Their efforts were instrumental in addressing core challenges and setting new standards of excellence in Hajj management.
Despite these remarkable strides, there is still room for improvement. Restructuring the Ghana Hajj Board to enhance governance and accountability could further strengthen the system. Adding new ports of embarkation and upgrading regional airports would make the Hajj more accessible to pilgrims from different parts of the country. Engaging in negotiations with Saudi civil aviation authorities could help reduce airfare costs and provide additional flight options. Finally, depoliticizing the Hajj system would foster greater transparency, trust, and inclusivity.
The story of Ghana’s Hajj system is one of progress, resilience, and a commitment to service. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a well-organized and efficient process, the system reflects the collective effort to ensure that Ghanaian Muslims can fulfill their religious obligations with dignity and ease. With continued innovation and strategic leadership, the Hajj system is poised to reach even greater heights, serving as a model for other nations while preserving the sanctity and significance of this sacred journey.
The NDC youth in the Effutu constituency have taken a noble step by apologizing to President John Mahama, the NDC party, and their parliamentary candidate, James Kofi Annan.
This apology comes after a group of young NDC supporters staged a protest last Friday, demanding government appointments for their two-term parliamentary candidate James Kofi Annan.
According to Musa Moro, the group’s spokesperson, their actions were driven by frustration and the news of the appointment of the Gaming Commissioner, who they believed had ties with the NPP. They felt that this appointment was unfair, especially considering that their parliamentary candidate had suffered greatly for the party and had his businesses targeted due to his financial support for the umbrella fraternity.
During a press conference, the group expressed remorse for disrupting a meeting of the Effutu constituency executives and for any damage caused during the demonstration. They pledged to repair any damage and accepted any disciplinary measures the party might take against them. The group also urged the constituency executives to appeal to Dr. James Kofi Annan, who had expressed anger at the group for associating his name with their actions.
President John Mahama and Sharaf Mahama in sports kit
Here is what the NPP must know, that the Commander in Chief reserve the right to have anyone whose presence he so wishes for both at home and on foreign trips.
For people who just left the Presidency, it is disingenuous to pretend not to know about the existence of an unaccountable imprest purely at the mercy of the President to take care of anything that keeps him sane or comfortable for the biggest task as President.
The President can request for the presence and company of anyone he wants and even if the persons is not within the jurisdiction, the person must be flown from wherever at the instance of the President and if that person has happens to be his son, who lives with him and his constant presence doesn’t cost the tax payer a dime then what is the fuss about?
In any case, the President doesn’t fly commercial for anyone to say that the State will incur additional air cost on him, accommodation for the President and his entourage are mostly provided for by the host nations, food and all pecks on such trips are mostly taken care of. Unless the NPP can prove that Mr Sharaf Mahama is recieving per diem for accompanying his father on foreign trips, then there’s no basis for this needless agitation.
The President can request for the presence of his family on all his official trips and no can say anything, given that the job takes him far away from his family most of the time, the President’s desire to keep his son close and so as to continue to be there for him as a father and President shouldn’t attract this sort of carnage from the NPP.
They are even lucky the ever modest President decided that only one of his Children should be with him at all times, Infact he can bring all of his children with him if he so pleases, because before a President he is a father.
The President will not take any moral lessons from a brothel, people who decided to use their unaccountable imprest to fly side-chicks around are the last people to complain about the President keeping his young son who deserves all the nurturing in the world close.
People who neglected our Presidential jet, and flew an empty aircraft from Europe to Accra to airlift President Akufo-Addo to wherever he was going and back and then fly back to origin empty all on the poor tax payer should be the last people to complain about President Mahama’s son joining him on a trip(especially when his presence most likely does not incur any additional cost to the State)
When Sharaf Mahama was busy following his father around through deep night campaigns in rural Ghana, did they ask how much it cost his father?
We will not take any moral lessons from thieves and harlots.
The NDC is focused on resetting Ghana and nothing will derail the ever focused President Mahama who is poised delivering on his promises to the Ghanaian people and cementing his place as one of Ghana’s finest Presidents.
The current NDC-led government has indicated its intention to reintroduce the tollbooth levy collection which was scrapped by the erstwhile NPP government.
The finance minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s resolve to reintroduce the road toll levy collection this year ignited much interest and massive support from the stakeholders and the general public.
Notable among the stakeholders are the road users and former collectors at the tollbooths as well as the product vendors operating around the tollbooths. On the part of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Mr Samuel Amoah, the National Deputy Public Relations Officer okayed the reintroduction of road tolls, emphasizing the need for their effective implementation to enhance the financing of the transport sector. He noted that, the primary objective of road tolls is to fund road maintenance stressing that, revenues collected must be managed transparently and accountably to ensure proper infrastructure development.
As part of proposed reforms, the Minister of Roads, Kwame Governs Agbodza, had indicated the adoption of an electronic toll collection system to manage the biggest challenge of traffic congestion at toll booths across the country. However, he criticised the scrapping of the road tolls as an “illegal” decision that disregarded existing laws.
“The reintroduction of road tolls will not involve building obstructions on the road. Instead, it will be a fair and efficient technological platform designed to simplify collection and accountability,” he explained.
The funds, he said, would be pivotal in tackling the country’s extensive road infrastructure challenges.
Road tolls were first introduced in Ghana in the early 1990s as a means of generating revenue for the construction and maintenance of roads across the country.
They became a common feature on major highways and roads, with vehicles being required to pay a toll for using these routes.
However in 2021, the Akufo-Addo-led administration made the controversial decision to abolish road tolls as part of the budget for that year.
The government justified the decision by stating that the tolls had become inefficient and costly to collect, and that the revenue generated was minimal in comparison to the expenses involved in running the toll system.
The cancellation was then replaced with the controversial Electronic Levy.
Meanwhile, in a U-turn, the former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, in July last year announced governments plans to reintroduce the road toll collection after it approved an additional GH¢1.5 billion for settling unresolved claims associated with financial management companies.
“Mr. Speaker, Cabinet has also granted approval for the disbursement of an additional GHc 1.5 billion to settle outstanding claims relating to the financial management companies; the establishment of a framework for the re-introduction of Road and Bridge Tolls in 2025,” Dr Amin Adam told Parliament during the presentation of the mid-year fiscal policy review for 2024.
The reintroduction announcement marks a significant step in addressing Ghana’s infrastructure challenges while leveraging technology to ensure transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.
The proposed system also promises a sustainable approach to road maintenance without disrupting traffic flow.
With plans for re-engaging displaced workers and focusing on strategic interventions, the initiative aims to modernise Ghana’s road management system while addressing long-standing issues in infrastructure development.
Highlighting the growth of Ghana’s road fund revenue, the Roads Minister noted an increase from GH¢250 million annually during former Minister Inusa Fuseni’s tenure to over GH¢2 billion in recent years.
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff of John Mahama Presidency
Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Office of the President has directed all heads of government institutions to revoke all unethical ‘last-minute employment’ the outgone NPP government did in bad faith to overburden the public purse.
This is to help purge the government payroll from overbearance of all persons added to the payroll on or after Saturday, December 7th 2024.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who signed the directive emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in government payroll management processes.
Heads of all public institutions are to oblige by the new directive.
This follows earlier directive from the presidency tasking all heads of public institutions to provide on all such persons employed on the December 7th 2024.
The memo urged the heads to ensure the requested information is submitted no later than Friday, January 31, 2025.
The memo outlines that institutions are required to submit the following details for each staff member added within the specified period:
Full Name
Designation/Job Title
Employee Identification Number (if applicable)
Date of Appointment
Date Added to Payroll
The directive was part of ongoing efforts to verify and ensure the accuracy of government payroll records, specifically those added during the tenure of the John Mahama administration.
“This information is critical to maintaining transparency and accountability,” the memo states, stressing the need for prompt compliance. Institutions facing any challenges or requiring clarification have been encouraged to reach out without hesitation.
The directive has also been copied to the Vice President, the Secretary to the President, and other key stakeholders, underscoring the significance of this initiative in addressing payroll integrity across government institutions.
Failure to meet the submission deadline may attract scrutiny, as the government seeks to streamline payroll systems and eliminate any discrepancies.
Civil Society Organizations, working in the extractive and environmental sectors, have reaffirmed commitment to partnering with the President John Mahama’s government to achieve shared goals of development, sustainability, and good governance.
They believe that by working together, Ghana can harness its vast resources for the benefit of all while ensuring the protection of the environment and the wellbeing of future generations.
The CSOs indicated their recognition of the ambitious agenda set forth by the new administration and commend the emphasis on economic recovery, environmental stewardship, good governance, and energy transition. However, there are critical areas requiring immediate attention to secure the future of Ghana and its people.
“As citizens who have bought into your vision for this country, we wish to call upon you to honour your promises and commitments as outlined in the 120 Days Social Contract with the people of Ghana”, the CSOs said in a statement read by Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah at a press conference last week. Thus; “Combating Illegal Mining and Strengthening Environmental Governance and Combating Corruption and Promoting Good Governance.”
They urged the government to: Issue a bold directive to halt all illegal mining activities immediately to deter those who defy the law; Repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462) and enhance enforcement of existing mining laws; Empower District and Regional Security Councils (DISEC and REGSEC) to enforce bans effectively at the local level; and Expedite prosecution of illegal miners by getting the Attorney General to work with the Chief Justice to establish a special court to fast track illegal mining cases.
“We believe that fulfilling these commitments will not only ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s resources but also secure a prosperous and equitable future for all”, the CSOs noted.
The CSOs, thereby, called upon the President to count on their support in driving policy reforms, fostering transparency, and promoting responsible resource management.
“Ghana stands at a pivotal moment, and we are optimistic that your leadership will deliver on the promise of a better future for all. Together, we can build a Ghana that sets the standard for governance and sustainable development across the continent.”
Read full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON NATURAL RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE, ENERGY TRANSITION, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES
Title: Advancing Ghana’s Development: Strengthening Governance, Protecting the Environment, and Driving Economic Transformation
Distinguished Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning, and thank you for joining us today.
First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, on your decisive victory in the 7th December 2024 general elections.
Your resounding victory is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ghana have placed in your vision and leadership.
We also warmly welcome the new administration and express our hope for a term marked by progress, unity, and prosperity.
Ghana stands at a pivotal moment, and we are optimistic that your leadership will deliver on the promise of a better future for all.
As civil society organizations, working in the extractive and environmental sectors, we reaffirm our commitment to partnering with your government to achieve our shared goals of development, sustainability, and good governance.
We believe that by working together, we can harness Ghana’s vast resources for the benefit of all while ensuring the protection of our environment and the wellbeing of future generations.
Mr President, you can count on our support in driving policy reforms, fostering transparency, and promoting responsible resource management.
Together, we can build a Ghana that sets the standard for governance and sustainable development across the continent.
As citizens who have bought into your vision for this country, we wish to call upon you to honour your promises and commitments as outlined in the 120 Days Social Contract with the people of Ghana.
We recognise the ambitious agenda set forth by the new administration and commend the emphasis on economic recovery, environmental stewardship, good governance, and energy transition.
However, there are critical areas requiring immediate attention to secure the future of Ghana and its people.
Combating Illegal Mining and Strengthening Environmental Governance
Your Excellency, we applaud your pledge to ban mining in forest reserves and roll out initiatives like the ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’ to rehabilitate degraded areas.
However, illegal mining continues unabated, resulting in environmental degradation, the destruction of cocoa farms, and the pollution of vital water bodies.
We urge you to:
Issue a bold directive to halt all illegal mining activities immediately to deter those who defy the law.
Repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462) and enhance enforcement of existing mining laws.
Empower District and Regional Security Councils (DISEC and REGSEC) to enforce bans effectively at the local level.
Expedite prosecution of illegal miners by getting the Attorney General to work with the Chief Justice to establish a special court to fast track illegal mining cases.
These actions are vital to protect our forests, rivers, and farmlands, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Energy Transition: A Multi-Sectoral Approach
We commend the addition of “Green Transitions” to the mandate of the Ministry of Energy. However, energy transition must extend beyond one ministry to achieve national impact.
We therefore propose:
Establishing a high-level coordinating body akin to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group or South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission to drive efforts across sectors.
Developing an integrated energy transition strategy by reviewing and aligning the existing Energy Transition Framework and Investment Plan with manifesto commitments.
Accelerating investments in renewable energy by creating a favourable regulatory and investment environment to enhance the renewable component of the country’s energy mix .
Linking energy transition to green minerals through mapping resources, promoting research, and ensuring value addition within the country.
Ghana must leverage its natural resources and global energy transition goals to become a leader in sustainable energy.
Forests, Environment, and Climate Change
We acknowledge your government’s commitment to addressing climate change through reforestation policies and modern agricultural infrastructure.
However, we urge swift action to:
Implement the ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’ as stated in the government’s inaugural commitments.
Ban new mining activities in forest reserves and adopt innovative farming methods to preserve natural ecosystems.
These measures are essential not only for climate mitigation but also for economic resilience.
Upstream and Downstream Petroleum Sector
The petroleum sector is critical to Ghana’s economy. We urge the government to:
Revise and harmonize regulations governing the petroleum sector to ensure consistency and support integration.
Invest in critical infrastructure and explore partial privatisation options to address financial challenges.
Prioritize domestic crude oil supply for local refineries as mandated by the Petroleum Agreement.
Align the sector with global energy transition goals to ensure long-term sustainability.
Combating Corruption and Promoting Good Governance
Your Excellency, we commend the promise to establish a robust Code of Conduct for government officials and to institute inquiries into corruption scandals.
However, these efforts must be fortified with tangible actions. We recommend:
Urgent passage of the Conduct of Public Officers (CoPO) Bill, which has been pending since 2013.
Strengthening procurement reforms to prevent insider dealings and ensure transparency.
Engaging stakeholders to review political party financing laws to reduce undue influence on governance.
Empowering state institutions to lead forensic audits and investigations into scandals of public interest.
These steps will restore public trust, foster accountability, and uphold the principles of good governance.
A Collective Responsibility
We believe that fulfilling these commitments will not only ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s resources but also secure a prosperous and equitable future for all.
We urge the government to act decisively, and we call on citizens, civil society organisations, and the private sector to lend their support in this shared mission.
Thank you for your attention.
We look forward to the government’s swift and decisive action in addressing these pressing issues.
Together, let us build a Ghana that we can proudly pass on to future generations.
Emelia Arthur, Fisheries and Aquaculture minister, has pledged her commitment to aligning the nation’s fisheries regulations with international standards to restore compliance and secure Ghana’s seafood.
This, she believes, will also reverse the ‘yellow card’ Ghana currently holds against seafood exports to the European Union market.
Many stakeholders in the fisheries industry are upbeat on their expectations. They have confidence she could deliver on the job.
“Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) activities in fisheries have earned Ghana a Yellow Card. The EU outlined a number of things that need to be sorted out so that the Yellow Card will be lifted. It is my understanding that those activities have begun,” she stated while answering a question during her vetting, last week.
Arthur announced plans to revise the Fisheries Act (Act 625) as part of measures to address the issue. She noted that the current legislation inadequately addresses inland fisheries and aquaculture, which are critical to meeting the EU’s requirements.
“We have to do the right things so that the trade will go on for the foreign exchange to come,” she said, stressing the urgency of the matter to protect the fishing industry, which contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy.
Arthur revealed that the Yellow Card significantly impacts industrial fishers, particularly those involved in tuna exports—a sector that generates nearly $400 million annually for the country.
The EU’s Yellow Card serves as a warning that Ghana risks losing access to the European seafood market if it fails to combat illegal fishing in its exclusive economic zone. A “Red Card,” the next step in the EU’s sanctions, would result in trade restrictions on seafood exports, severely affecting Ghana’s economy and the livelihoods of thousands in the fishing industry.
In 2021, the European Union issued Ghana a second Yellow Card, citing inadequate efforts to combat illegal fishing. Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries, expressed concern over Ghana’s failure to implement necessary measures to meet international standards.
With Ghana producing an estimated 448,200 metric tons of seafood annually, addressing the EU’s concerns is crucial to safeguarding both marine resources and the country’s access to global markets.
Arthur highlighted the urgency of resolving the situation, underscoring the importance of sustainable fisheries management. She committed to working with stakeholders to implement necessary reforms, protect Ghana’s fishing industry, and maintain its position in the global seafood market.
Her assurances offer hope for an industry that is not only vital to Ghana’s economy but also to the livelihoods of millions of citizens who depend on fisheries for sustenance and income
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.
Mahama Ayariga
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.
Ricketts-Hagan, Deputy Majority leader
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.
Rockson Defeamekpor
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.
President John Dramani Mahama has today sworn in six ministers of his cabinet into office.
The Minister included: Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as finance minister, John Jinapor as Energy Minister, Dr Dominic Ayine as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Haruna Iddrisu as minister of Education.
Eric Opoku as Agric Minister, and Kwame Governs Agbogya as minister of Roads.
The colourful event took place at the Jubilee House.
President Mahama tasked the ministers to swift move to work to address the daring challenges facing the country.
