By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Aug 07, GNA – Mr James Agalga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa North, has been appointed as the new Majority Leader in Parliament.
The decision follows the nomination of Mr Mahama Ayariga, the former Majority Leader, as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs-Designate by President John Dramani Mahama on Friday.
Under parliamentary practice, a ministerial nominee is expected to relinquish leadership positions in the House.
Mr Agalga confirmed the appointment on Eyewitness News on Friday.
He said: “I will like to thank His Excellency the President, Chairman of the party, the General Secretary, and the entire leadership for the confidence they have reposed in me.
“All I can say is that when I settle down to serve in the capacity as Majority Leader, I will place the interest of Ghanaians first and work to ensure that the mandate that was given to the NDC is executed to the best of the ability of the government and the NDC party,” he added.
Mr Agalga, a lawyer and former Deputy Minister for the Interior, will now take charge of government business in Parliament.
He has served as MP fpr Builsa North since 2013 and is known for his work on security, governance, and constitutional matters during his tenure as Deputy Interior Minister.
President Mahama, on Friday, announced his first major ministerial reshuffle in his second term, nominating Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, NDC MP for Klottey Korle, as Environment, Science and Technology Minister-Designate.
While Mr Mahama Ayariga, NDC MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader in Parliament, has been nominated as the Minister-Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, said President Mahama had, in accordance with Article 78(1), submitted the names of the nominees to Parliament, through the Speaker, for prior approval as Ministers of State.
It said the President had reassigned Mr Kenneth Gilbert Adjei from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to the Ministry of Defence.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim had been reassigned by the President from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
[email protected]