Mahama Ayariga appointed Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in the 9th Parliament
The Bawku Central Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has been officially appointed as the new Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in the 9th Parliament, succeeding Cassiel Ato Forson, who now serves as the Minister of Finance.
He was chosen by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Majority Leader for the 9th Parliament on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The MP for Cape Coast South, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, has been named the Deputy Majority Leader.
In other changes, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi, takes over as the Majority Chief Whip, replacing Governs Agbodza.
Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, the MP for Ada Constituency, will now serve as the First Deputy Whip, while Richard Acheampong, MP for Bia East, assumes the role of Second Deputy Majority Whip.
In his acceptance statement, Mr Ayariga said the road ahead for the Mahama administration will not be without challenges.
"However, I am confident that together, through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, we can overcome any obstacles and deliver on our collective vision," he said.
He urged the government to remain steadfast in its commitment to the people of Ghana.
Mr Ayariga assured the people of Ghana that, consistent with the overwhelming mandate given to President John Dramani Mahama and the 187 members of this caucus, they will rigorously pursue the agenda to reset Ghana.
He called on the government to remain steadfast in its commitment to the people of Ghana. "Their trust must inspire our actions and guide our decisions. It is for them that we will build a prosperous, united, and democratic Ghana,"
He further said he is guided by the illustrious precedents set by former leaders of their caucus. "20 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.
"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. As President John Dramani Mahama has said, these overwhelming numbers will not be abused", he stated.
He further said, "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 fulfilment of the dreams of our founding fathers. We will foster national unity, advance democracy and ensure equitable development."
He added, "The road ahead will not be without challenges, but I am confident that together, through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, we can overcome any obstacles and deliver on our collective vision.
"Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the people of Ghana. Their trust must inspire our actions and guide our decisions. It is for them that we will build a prosperous, united, and democratic Ghana. A few moments ago, I was formally chosen by my party – the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and my caucus made up of 187 Members of Parliament to lead the NDC caucus in the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana.
"I will be the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business of the 9th Parliament. With humility and profound gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) chaired by Hon Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and my esteemed colleagues in Parliament, I wholeheartedly accept this appointment and the confidence reposed in me."
Mr Ayariga, who has a long career in Ghanaian politics, first entered Parliament in 2005. He has served in various capacities, including Deputy Minister of State and Minister of State, and was also previously out of Parliament before making a successful return.
In his early political career, he was a student leader and later served as an Assemblyman for Sabongari in Bawku Municipality.
He assured of his commitment to lead the largest majority in the history of the Fourth Republic with humility and gratitude.