President Mahama swears in two new ministers

President John Dramani Mahama has officially inducted two new ministers into his government, urging them to uphold integrity, humility, and fairness in their service to Ghana. The ceremony at Jubilee House saw Mahama Ayariga, former Majority Leader, sworn in as the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle-Klottey, took the oath as the new Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.

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You bring considerable experience to this assignment as a legislator, a lawyer and a former Minister of State, having served both in the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Environment, Science and Technology.

President Mahama emphasized that the oaths taken were solemn commitments, not mere formalities, and stressed the importance of placing national interest above personal convenience. He reminded the appointees that public office is a privilege that demands dedication to the people of Ghana and fidelity to the Constitution. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah, and other government officials.

Turning to Mahama Ayariga, President Mahama highlighted the critical juncture at which he assumes his new role, noting Ayariga's extensive experience as a legislator, lawyer, and former minister. The President charged Ayariga to make decentralization a tangible reality for citizens, demanding greater accountability, financial discipline, and responsiveness from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies. He specifically called for an end to unchecked issues like poor spatial planning, uncontrolled development, sanitation challenges, and congestion.

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The environment is not separate from human health. Polluted rivers, contaminated soils, poor sanitation, unsafe air and indiscriminate waste disposal eventually find expression in our hospitals and in the health of our people.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings was commended for bringing a valuable combination of medical training, parliamentary experience, and a commitment to public health to her new portfolio. President Mahama underscored the intrinsic link between environmental health and human well-being, stating that polluted rivers, contaminated soils, and poor sanitation directly impact public health. He also identified the destruction of forests and water bodies through illegal mining as a grave threat to national survival, vowing continued firm action against those who prioritize private profit over collective well-being.

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This administration will continue to act firmly against those who place private profits above the collective well-being of our people.