Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has explained that his decision to leave Parliament and return to the Executive was his personal choice.
Mr Ayariga, who previously served as Majority Leader in Parliament, said he wanted to make his experience, knowledge and expertise available to the Executive after concluding that the major tasks of Parliament had largely been completed.
He made the remarks in an interview on Channel One TV in Accra on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
According to him, the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament was relatively stable and had completed some of its major responsibilities, including the vetting and approval of ministers, approval of major budgets and approval of nominated judges.
He explained that remaining in Parliament would largely mean waiting for the Finance Minister to present the next budget and for the President to deliver another State of the Nation Address.
“Truth be told, it was my choice to rejoin the Executive arm of government,” Mr Ayariga stated.
He said he believed his time and expertise could be better utilised in the Executive, where ministers were required to work throughout the year.
“I thought I could go back and join them and make my experience and knowledge and expertise available to the Executive arm of government,” he added.
Mr Ayariga further disclosed that President John Mahama was initially reluctant to allow him to leave his position as Majority Leader because he believed he was performing well in Parliament.
He said the President had encouraged him to remain in Parliament, noting that whoever succeeded him as Majority Leader would also be able to work effectively with the President.
However, Mr Ayariga maintained that he ultimately chose to take up the ministerial position because he believed he could contribute more directly to the work of government from the Executive.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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