James Agalga Appointed New Majority Leader in Parliament

The Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, has been appointed the new Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, replacing Mahama Ayariga.

The change follows President John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of Ayariga, the MP for Bawku Central, as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs as part of a ministerial reshuffle announced on Friday.

Ayariga’s elevation to the Cabinet requires him to relinquish his parliamentary leadership role.

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor confirmed the appointment to the media. “Yes, it is true that James Agalga is the new Majority Leader,” he said.

Agalga, who has represented Builsa North since January 2013 and is serving his fourth consecutive term, previously chaired Parliament’s Interior and Defence Committee.

He also served as Deputy Minister for the Interior during President Mahama’s first term. His parliamentary work has focused on security, defence, constitutional and legal matters.

In a related development, Cape Coast South MP Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, also in his fourth term since 2013, has been appointed Deputy Majority Leader.

The reshuffle forms part of changes announced nearly one year and eight months into President Mahama’s second term.

Other nominations include Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey Korle, as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

The nominations have been submitted to Parliament through the Speaker for prior approval in line with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

Agalga will now lead the Majority Caucus and serve as Leader of Government Business in Parliament.