Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured the Mamprugu Traditional Council that his close ties to the traditional area will not affect his objectivity if approved for the ministerial position.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, Mr Ayariga pledged to perform his duties with fairness, neutrality and impartiality.
His comments followed concerns about whether his longstanding connection to the Mamprugu traditional area could influence his decisions on matters involving chieftaincy and local governance.
Mr Ayariga acknowledged his strong connection to Mamprugu, explaining that it stems from his family background and upbringing.
He disclosed that his mother is Mamprusi and said members of the traditional area contributed significantly to his upbringing and instilled values that continue to shape his approach to public service.
“My mother is a Mamprusi, and they are my uncles, and they are partly responsible for my upbringing and training me. If I fail in this new job, then it means that there is a defect in the way they have trained me and I believe that they trained me well and I will vindicate them by living up to their expectations,” he said.
Mr Ayariga also pledged to honour the confidence placed in him by the Nayiri and the people of Mamprugu while maintaining the professional neutrality expected of a Minister.
“I can promise my grandfather, the Nayiri that in my capacity as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, I will definitely live up to his expectations,” he said.
He assured the Committee that his personal connections would not compromise his responsibility to treat matters before the Ministry fairly and impartially.
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