The Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has dismissed fears surrounding his capacity to remain neutral over the long-standing Bawku conflict, reassuring critics that his heritage will guide his fairness in office.
Doubts over his nomination stem from allegations of bias tied to the chieftaincy dispute. Skeptics—including key figures within the Mamprusi community and traditional commentators—have questioned whether an individual deeply linked to the region’s political landscape can offer the objective leadership required for the sensitive ministry.
The matter dominated his vetting session before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, when Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, pushed the nominee to address public skepticism regarding his suitability to handle delicate chieftaincy affairs.
Addressing the committee, the Bawku Central Member of Parliament highlighted his mixed Kusasi and Mamprusi roots, stressing that his maternal heritage drives his commitment to succeed.
“All I can say is that my mother is a Mamprusi. Mamprusis are my uncles. They are partly responsible for my upbringing and training,” he said.
“If I fail in this new job then it means that there’s a defect in the way they have trained me. And I believe that they have trained me well and I’ll vindicate them by living up to their expectations that I can promise them,” he added.
Hon. Ayariga concluded with a direct promise to the King of Mamprugu, the Nayiri.
“I can promise my grandfather the Nayiri that in my capacity I will live up to his expectations,” he stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
