Parliament has approved nominations of Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affair as well as Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings for Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
The two were vetted earlier during the day by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
With the approval, the two ministers are expected to take over their respective ministries in the coming days.
Profile of Mahama Ayariga
Until his nomination and approval, Mahama Ayariga, was the Majority Leader.
Mahama Ayariga, born on May 12, 1974, is a prominent Ghanaian lawyer and seasoned politician, affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He has had an extensive career in both the legal and political arenas, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service and governance.
Ayariga’s political career includes significant roles in the first administration of President John Dramani Mahama, where he served as the Minister of Information and Media Relations as well as the Minister of Youth and Sports. In these capacities, he was instrumental in shaping the communication strategies of the government and spearheading initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and development.
Currently in the 9th Parliament, Ayariga is the elected Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central constituency in the Upper East Region of Ghana. He has represented this constituency in four consecutive terms, having served in the (4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th) Parliaments of the 4th Republic of Ghana. Throughout his tenure, Ayariga has been a key figure in legislative affairs, actively contributing to the development and passage of policies affecting the nation.
As of the 9th Parliament, Ayariga held the prestigious position of Majority Leader in the Parliament of Ghana, a role that places him at the forefront of legislative leadership and government business. In addition to his leadership of the majority caucus, he also served as the Leader of Government Business, where he plays a pivotal role in coordinating the government’s legislative agenda and ensuring the successful passage of its policies and programs.
Ayariga’s leadership in these capacities continues to shape the direction of parliamentary proceedings in Ghana.
Profile of Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings is a dedicated public servant, environmental activist, and advocate for inclusivity and empowerment. She currently serves as a Member of Parliament for the Klottey-Korle Constituency in Ghana, representing the National Democratic Congress Party.
In Parliament, she plays a key role in the standing committee on gender and the defense and interior committees, where she is serving as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Security and Intelligence. As of July 2025, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings serves as a member of Ghana’s delegation to the Pan African Parliament of the African Union (AU).
Since joining Parliament in 2017 and being re-elected in 2024, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings has worked tirelessly to empower her constituents and champion social change. Her tenure has been marked by impactful social and community intervention programs, focusing on the elderly in underserved communities and the underprivileged.
She has also been an active participant in health and sanitation outreach initiatives and food safety campaigns. Her unwavering commitment to female empowerment, environmental sustainability, and universal quality education continues to shape her contributions to national development.
Before her parliamentary career, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings practiced as a medical doctor for over a decade after earning her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in conflict, peace, and security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping and Training Centre and holds multiple certifications in security and leadership from prestigious global institutions.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings is also recognized for her work on international platforms, having participated in various political and parliamentary events.
Her innovative spirit led to her co-developing a disaster and early-warning mobile application and contributing to the retrofitting of carbon-reducing implements at a night market in Accra. This groundbreaking project was showcased at the 2019 Triple Helix Conference in Cape Town.
A proud mother of three daughters, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings embodies a commitment to service, innovation, and leadership, making a lasting impact on Ghana and beyond.
