President John Dramani Mahama has presented scrolls of office to Mahama Ayariga and Dr.Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings following their approval by Parliament as substantive ministers.
The ceremony took place at the Jubilee House on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Mahama Ayariga has been assigned to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Dr.Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings takes charge of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
Their appointment followed Parliament’s approval of their nominations on August 27.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ayariga expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would work to fulfil the commitments made to Ghanaians under the government’s reset agenda.
He said the President’s approach to governance and his relationship with ordinary Ghanaians would guide their conduct as ministers.
“Our responsibility is to the ordinary Ghanaian ultimately, and so the ordinary Ghanaian shall be at the forefront of whatever we do,” Mr Ayariga said.
He further assured the President that local government structures, including cities, municipalities, metropolises, districts, zones and units, would receive improved governance under their leadership.
Mr Ayariga also said he would draw on his previous experience as a minister to effectively execute his new responsibilities and collaborate with Dr.Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.
In his address, President Mahama reminded the two ministers that their new positions were not merely formal appointments but solemn responsibilities to serve Ghanaians with integrity, humility, fairness and commitment to the Constitution.
He described public office as a privilege that comes with significant responsibility, stressing that the national interest must take precedence over personal, political and sectional interests.
Addressing Mr Ayariga, the President said his experience as a legislator, lawyer and former minister would be valuable in his new role.
He charged him to make decentralisation more meaningful by ensuring that metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies become more accountable, financially disciplined and responsive to the needs of their communities.
President Mahama also tasked the minister with addressing challenges including poor spatial planning, uncontrolled development, sanitation problems, congestion and encroachment on public spaces.On chieftaincy and religious affairs, the President urged Mr Ayariga to demonstrate wisdom, patience and impartiality while working closely with traditional and religious institutions.Turning to Dr.Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, President Mahama said her medical background, parliamentary experience and humanitarian work would provide a valuable perspective in managing the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio.
He stressed the strong connection between environmental protection and public health, noting that pollution, poor sanitation and environmental degradation ultimately affect the health and wellbeing of Ghanaians.
The President tasked Dr.Zanetor with providing strong leadership in protecting Ghana’s natural resources, particularly in the fight against illegal mining and the destruction of forests and water bodies.
He also called for greater investment in scientific research, innovation and technology, with opportunities created for young people to apply science and technology to areas such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, climate resilience and the digital economy.
President Mahama further urged the two ministers to collaborate closely, noting that their portfolios are interconnected, particularly in areas such as sanitation, land-use planning, waste management, climate resilience and environmental protection.
He urged them to remain accessible, accountable and responsive to the needs of the Ghanaian people while ensuring that public resources are managed prudently.
Congratulating the two ministers, President Mahama expressed confidence that they would rise to the occasion and discharge their responsibilities with courage, compassion and commitment to Ghana’s development.
By:Rachael Djabakie