Parliament has approved the nominations of Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as ministers in President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
Ayariga, who previously served as Majority Leader and Chairman of Parliament’s Business Committee, is now the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings takes on the portfolio of Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, covering environmental protection, scientific research, technological development and policies addressing environmental challenges.
The approvals come after their vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee earlier Thursday.
After considering the Appointments Committee’s report on the nominees, the House approved both nominations through a voice vote, with the Speaker declaring that the Ayes had it.
Announcing the decision, Speaker Alban Bagbin said the approval was in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
“Honourable Members, the Ayes have it. This Honourable House has accordingly approved the nominations of His Excellency the President of the following persons as Ministers of State in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution,” he declared.
The approvals form part of President Mahama’s ongoing changes to his ministerial team as his administration seeks to advance its policy agenda in local governance, environmental protection, science and technology.
