Builsa North Member of Parliament James Agalga has emerged as the leading contender to become the next Majority Leader in Parliament following Mahama Ayariga’s appointment to President John Dramani Mahama’s Cabinet.
Sources within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus told MyJoyOnline that the caucus has settled on Mr Agalga for the position, although the decision has not yet been formally announced by the NDC parliamentary leadership.
Mr Ayariga, who previously served as Majority Leader, was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in the President’s cabinet reshuffle announced on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Mr Agalga, a former Deputy Minister for Interior, is understood to have been preferred to South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who had also been considered for the position.
The Builsa North MP served as Deputy Minister for Interior during President Mahama’s previous administration.
He holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Peace and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
Mr Agalga currently serves as Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, where he has been involved in parliamentary discussions on security and governance.
His possible appointment follows the move of Mr Ayariga from Parliament to the Executive as part of President Mahama’s latest Cabinet changes.
Mr Dafeamekpor, who has served as Majority Chief Whip since January 2025, was also regarded as a contender for the Majority Leader position.
The NDC parliamentary leadership is yet to formally confirm who will succeed Mr Ayariga.
If Mr Agalga is eventually selected, he will be responsible for leading the Majority Caucus in Parliament and coordinating its business in the House.
