President John Dramani Mahama has formally inducted Mahama Ayariga and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings into office, paving the way for the two ministers to begin work on key areas of the government’s governance and development agenda.
The two were sworn into office on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after receiving unanimous parliamentary approval following their vetting by the Appointments Committee.
The ceremony marked the final constitutional step in their appointment, with President Mahama administering the Oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy and Oath of Allegiance to the new ministers.
Mahama Ayariga takes charge of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, a portfolio that places him at the forefront of efforts to strengthen decentralisation, improve local administration and deepen collaboration with traditional and religious authorities.
His appointment comes at a time when coordination between central government, Parliament and local authorities remains critical to effective delivery of development programmes across the country.
During his parliamentary vetting, Mr Ayariga identified improved cooperation between Members of Parliament and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives as one of the areas he intends to prioritise.
He also sought to assure traditional authorities and the wider public that he would discharge his responsibilities fairly and impartially, despite his personal links to the Mamprugu traditional area.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, meanwhile, assumes responsibility for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, where she will oversee a broad policy area encompassing environmental protection, scientific research, technological advancement and sustainable development.
Her ministry is expected to play a key role in addressing environmental challenges while promoting the use of science, research and technology to support national development.
Dr Zanetor will be required to work closely with state agencies, researchers, industry players and development partners to translate scientific and technological innovation into practical solutions for the economy and society.
The swearing-in follows Parliament’s approval of the two nominees on Friday, August 27, after they successfully went through the required vetting process.
With their formal induction now complete, attention shifts to the performance of the two ministers and their ability to translate their respective mandates into measurable results.
For Ayariga, the immediate focus is expected to centre on strengthening local governance and decentralisation, while Dr Zanetor faces the task of advancing Ghana’s environmental, scientific and technological priorities.
Their assumption of office therefore adds new leadership to two ministries with significant implications for the government’s broader development agenda.
