<h1><br></h1><p>Mr Ayariga has been approved as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Dr Agyeman-Rawlings has been approved as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. The approval follows their vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee as part of the process for considering recent ministerial nominations submitted by President Mahama.</p><p>Mr Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, was nominated to take charge of the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry following a ministerial reshuffle announced by the President earlier this month. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, the MP for Klottey Korle, was nominated to head the Environment, Science and Technology Ministry. The two nominees appeared before the Appointments Committee to respond to questions on their qualifications, experience, policy priorities and plans for their respective ministries.</p><p>During her vetting, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings identified the retention of scientists and researchers as one of the major challenges confronting Ghana’s scientific institutions. She expressed concern about the loss of skilled personnel from institutions including the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Her proposed portfolio will place her at the centre of government efforts on environmental protection, scientific research, technology development and climate-related issues.</p><p>Mr Ayariga’s appointment comes with particular significance for local governance and decentralisation, with the ministry responsible for relations between central government and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as chieftaincy and religious affairs. The approval also brings an end to Mr Ayariga’s tenure as Majority Leader-designate following his nomination for the ministerial position. Parliament’s Speaker, Alban Bagbin, had earlier clarified that Mr Ayariga remained Majority Leader until the governing National Democratic Congress formally communicated any leadership changes to the House.</p><p>Following the approval of the two nominees, the President can proceed with the formal appointment processes required for them to assume their respective ministerial responsibilities. The development forms part of President Mahama’s ongoing restructuring of his administration, which has included changes to several ministerial portfolios.</p>