Former Tarkwa MP, Mireku Duker, has raised doubts about whether ex-Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has the grassroots grounding needed to head the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
According to him, while Mr Ayariga is a seasoned legislator, lawyer and former minister, the Local Government portfolio demands a different kind of political exposure.
“I don’t see him as a local person. To be even a local government minister, I don’t see him as such,” he said.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Mr Duker said the ministry required leadership that can connect directly with citizens and understand how local governance functions.
“We need a very local person who resonates,” he said.
Mr Duker, a former Municipal Chief Executive who has also worked at the Local Government Ministry, said his view was informed by his time in the sector.
“I’ve been a municipal chief executive before. I’ve worked at the Ministry of Local Government before. So I know how it works, the dynamics of the ministry,” he said.
He argued that being an MP is not the same as running the Local Government Ministry, and that parliamentary experience does not automatically equal grassroots political experience.
“He’s up there as a Member of Parliament who understands the rigours of Parliament, but not necessarily a local politician like Ahmed,” he said, referring to Ibrahim Ahmed who has been moved from the Local Government Ministry to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Mr Duker acknowledged Mr Ayariga’s record in previous roles as Minister for Environment and Minister for Information, but questioned if that background fits the current assignment.
He, however, spoke highly of Mr Ayariga personally. “Ayariga is a fine gentleman. He’s really deep. He’s my friend. I know him very well and I can vouch for him,” Mr Duker said.
“A very good lawyer as well. I’ve been with him for a long time,” he added.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the latest round of ministerial changes on Friday, August 7, 2026.Under the reshuffle, Mr Ayariga was named Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Ibrahim Ahmed was reassigned to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei was also moved from Works, Housing and Water Resources to the Ministry of Defence, and Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings was appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
