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Former Tarkwa Member of Parliament, Mireku Duker, has questioned whether former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga possesses the grassroots experience needed to effectively lead the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
According to Mr Duker, although Mr Ayariga is an experienced parliamentarian, lawyer and former minister, the demands of the Local Government Ministry require a leader with a deep understanding of grassroots politics and local governance.
“I don’t see him as a local person. To be even a local government minister, I don’t see him as such,” he said.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Mr Duker said the ministry needs a person who can connect directly with citizens and understand the realities of local administration.
“We need a very local person who resonates,” he added.
Mr Duker, who previously served as a Municipal Chief Executive and worked at the Ministry of Local Government, said his comments were based on his experience and knowledge of the ministry’s operations.
He argued that parliamentary experience does not automatically translate into the type of grassroots political understanding required to manage the Local Government portfolio.
“He’s up there as a Member of Parliament who understands the rigours of Parliament, but not necessarily a local politician like Ahmed,” he said, referring to Ibrahim Ahmed, who has been reassigned from the Local Government Ministry to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Despite his concerns, Mr Duker praised Mr Ayariga’s competence and described him as a respected lawyer and a personal friend.
“Ayariga is a fine gentleman. He’s really deep. He’s my friend. I know him very well and I can vouch for him,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama announced new ministerial appointments and reshuffles on Friday, August 7, 2026.
As part of the changes, Mahama Ayariga was appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Ibrahim Ahmed was moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei was reassigned from the Works Ministry to the Ministry of Defence, while Dr Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings was appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Story by Efua Nessa