Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured the Mamprugu Traditional Council that his close ties to the traditional area will not compromise his impartiality if approved for the position.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, Mr Ayariga said he would handle matters before the Ministry with fairness, neutrality and objectivity.
His comments followed concerns over whether his longstanding connection to Mamprugu could influence his decisions on chieftaincy and local governance matters.
Mr Ayariga acknowledged his strong ties to the area, noting that his mother is Mamprusi and that the traditional community contributed significantly to his upbringing.
He said the values instilled in him by the community would guide him in public service.
“My mother is a Mamprusi, and they are my uncles, and they are partly responsible for my upbringing and training me,” he said.
Mr Ayariga said he would seek to honour the confidence placed in him by the Nayiri and the people of Mamprugu while ensuring that his ministerial duties were carried out without bias.
“I can promise my grandfather, the Nayiri, that in my capacity as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, I will definitely live up to his expectations,” he added.
