The newly appointed Majority Leader of Ghana’s 9th Parliament Hon. Mahama Ayariga has reaffirmed the Majority Caucus’ commitment to swiftly processing the President’s ministerial nominees.
Speaking on the current state of parliamentary affairs, amid contentions during the ministerial vetting processes, he emphasized the efficiency with which government business is being conducted and dismissed claims that the Majority side is weak. Hon. Ayariga highlighted;
“So if you look at the records, the speed at which we are processing the president’s nominees, I mean it’s in record time, and that’s our main focus—to get the president’s nominees quickly processed.”
“I mean as we speak, the [appointments Committee] is sitting there vetting ministerial nominees. It’s past 9: 00 pm, but they are sitting there vetting ministerial nominees. So it means that our agenda is being pursued. Government business is being pursued.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga Majority Leader 9th Parliament
Hon. Ayariga recalled past parliamentary experiences and how they shaped his understanding of leadership in the chamber. He recounted how he once made fun of Afenyo – Markin a former Majority Leader, who refused to sit in the chamber due to a dispute over seating arrangements. He emphasized that parliamentary leadership should prioritize government business. He charged;
“I said look, you must focus on government business. Don’t be concerned about where you sit. Just focus on government business.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga Majority Leader 9th Parliament
According to him, if the former Majority Leader of the 8thParliament had stayed in the chamber just a little longer at the time, he could have secured the approval of several items on the agenda rather than allowing contention over seating positions to hinder progress. On the majority of the 9th Parliament, he stated;
“So, I don’t know the basis for saying that the Majority is weak, because you also don’t want to be excessive in the application of force based on the numbers that you have.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga Majority Leader 9th Parliament
He acknowledged that the NDC had anticipated a parliamentary majority but had been unsure of the exact margin of victory. While acknowledging that hard work contributed to the electoral success, he pointed out that certain regions played a crucial role in securing the party’s majority in Parliament. He eulogized;
“I think that the leadership of Ato Forson was a very significant factor. As you can see, it impacted the numbers that came from Central Region, which is unusual. And I think the Central Region showed appreciation that we had brought them in the front line of the caucus which is an indication that the party base was becoming more inclusive of the south.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga Majority Leader 9th Parliament
Parliamentary Experience and Leadership Role
Moreover, Hon. Ayariga expressed satisfaction with his new role as Majority Leader, reflecting on his extensive experience in public service. He noted;
“In my career, I have been an assemblyman. I have been a Member of Parliament. I have been a Deputy Minister of State. I have been a Minister of State. I have been a presidential spokesperson.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga Majority Leader 9th Parliament
He emphasized that leading the Majority in Parliament is an honor and a significant milestone in his career. He added;
“The only thing I really have never been is to lead that caucus in the chamber, and so it comes to me with some sense of satisfaction that, ultimately, I am leading in the chamber at a time when we have such an overwhelming majority and our party is in power.”
“I really thank my colleagues for deciding to support my nomination as their leader and to thank the party leadership led by Johnson, who has been a former Member of Parliament and understands the house very well.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga Majority Leader 9th Parliament
Hon. Mahama Ayariga’s remarks underscore his confidence in the Majority Caucus and its ability to efficiently handle government business.
He dismissed claims of weakness and emphasized the importance of strategy over force in parliamentary leadership. His reflections on past parliamentary experiences, electoral success, and his new leadership role highlight his commitment to governance and effective parliamentary proceedings.
As he leads the Majority in Ghana’s 9th Parliament, his focus remains on advancing government business and ensuring that parliamentary processes run smoothly.
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