The Appointments Committee of Parliament has commenced the vetting of Bawku Central Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, who has been nominated as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Mr Ayariga is President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee to take over the portfolio from Ahmed Ibrahim, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
His vetting forms part of Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to scrutinise presidential nominees before they can be approved for appointment to various ministries.
Mr Ayariga, a lawyer and experienced legislator, has served as the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central for several terms.
He previously held ministerial positions under the Mahama administration’s first term, including Minister of Information and Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.
His nomination comes at a time when local government administration, chieftaincy matters and efforts to strengthen coordination between central and local authorities remain key issues on the national agenda.
The Ministry also plays a significant role in coordinating the work of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and advancing the government’s decentralisation agenda.
The Appointments Committee is expected to assess Mr Ayariga’s competence, experience and suitability for the portfolio, as well as question him on his plans and priorities should his nomination receive parliamentary approval.
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