Decision to leave parliament was my own– Mahama Ayariga

Former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has spoken about losing his position, saying his move from Parliament to the Executive was a personal choice.

The Bawku Central MP, who was appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs by President John Mahama on August 7 and sworn in on August 29, said he wanted to help fix Ghana's local governance system.

Speaking on the an Accra-based FM on Thursday, September 10, Ayariga said his work in Parliament had reached a stable point, with key tasks including approval of government nominees, passage of major budgets and judicial appointments already completed.

According to him, remaining in Parliament would have largely meant waiting for the annual budget and State of the Nation Address, while the Executive has more demanding work that needs sustained attention.

"I was happy to go to local government because I have always felt that that's really where we need a lot of fixing," he said.

He disclosed that President Mahama was initially reluctant to release him from Parliament, but he insisted on making his experience available to the Executive.

Ayariga also assured that though he was leaving as Majority Leader, he will still be around to support the leadership and government business in the House.

He has since been replaced by Builsa North MP James Agalga, who is tipped to take over as the new Majority Leader.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reacting to Ayariga's exit, said he will miss him, describing him as an affable, easygoing character who doesn't hold grudges.

By Regina Acquaye