President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Klottey Korle Member of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at filling key vacancies in his administration.
If approved by Parliament, Dr Zanetor will succeed the late Environment, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in the August 2025 helicopter crash.
The President has also nominated Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and reassigned two other ministers to new portfolios.
The nominations were submitted to Parliament on Friday, August 7, 2026, in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval before a minister can assume office.
Zanetor Rawlings heads to Cabinet
Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, has represented the Klottey Korle constituency in Parliament since 2017.
Her nomination follows months of speculation about a possible elevation to Cabinet.
The legislator has served on Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee and has been vocal on environmental issues, including measures to address flooding and other climate-related challenges.
The Environment, Science and Technology portfolio has remained without a substantive minister since the death of Dr Murtala Mohammed in the helicopter crash in August 2025.
The crash also claimed the lives of former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and six other persons.
Mahama makes further changes
As part of the latest changes, President Mahama has reassigned Kenneth Gilbert Adjei from the Ministry of Works and Housing to the Ministry of Defence.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who has been acting as Defence Minister since the death of Dr Omane Boamah, is expected to hand over the portfolio once the new nominee is approved by Parliament.
The President has also reassigned Banda MP Ahmed Ibrahim to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Mahama Ayariga, meanwhile, has been nominated to head the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The nominations were announced in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
Parliamentary approval required
The nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting.
Following the vetting process, their nominations will be presented to the full House for approval in accordance with the Constitution.
The latest changes form part of President Mahama’s efforts to fill key government positions and strengthen his administration following the August 2025 helicopter tragedy, which claimed the lives of eight people, including two Cabinet ministers.
