Parliament Approves Ayariga, Zanetor as Ministers

Parliament has approved the nominations of Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

The approval was given on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after both nominees appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting earlier in the day.

The House approved the nominations through a voice vote, with Speaker Alban Kingsford Bagbin declaring that the Ayes had it.

The Speaker said the approval was in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

The decision followed consideration of the Appointments Committee’s report on the nominees after their respective vetting sessions.

During the vetting, the two nominees responded to questions on their qualifications, policy priorities and plans for their respective ministries.

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who is expected to take charge of the Environment, Science and Technology Ministry, outlined her views on climate finance, plastic waste management and the role of science and technology in addressing environmental challenges.

She called for increased investment in research and innovation and advocated stronger support for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics.

She also proposed measures to address pollution from landfills, including the use of non-permeable bases to prevent leachate from contaminating soil and groundwater.

Mr Mahama Ayariga, whose nomination was also approved, is expected to assume responsibility for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The parliamentary approval clears the way for both nominees to formally take up their respective ministerial responsibilities, subject to the completion of the remaining constitutional processes.