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Minister-Designate Pledges Non-Interference in Chieftaincy Affairs, Assures Mamprugu Council of Impartiality

The Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured Parliament's Appointments Committee that he will not meddle in chieftaincy disputes if approved for the role.

Date Created : 8/27/2026 : Story Author : Ghanandistricts.com

Appearing before the committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Mr. Ayariga emphasized that the Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act prohibit ministers from interfering in traditional matters.

“It is not the business of a minister to meddle in chieftaincy matters,” he stated. He explained that a minister's role is limited to providing support services to traditional institutions like the National House of Chiefs, Regional Houses of Chiefs, and Traditional Councils. “The minister has no job in meddling in chieftaincy matters, and that is how I will approach the work,” he added.

Mr. Ayariga noted that only the traditional councils and the Supreme Court have jurisdiction over chieftaincy issues, with the minister's duty being to facilitate and support their work.

Responding to the Mamprugu Petition

The committee also raised concerns from the Mamprugu Traditional Council, which had submitted a petition questioning Mr. Ayariga's ability to remain neutral due to his ties to the area. The petitioners acknowledged his qualifications but expressed doubt about his impartiality.

In response, Mr. Ayariga acknowledged his deep personal connection to the Mamprugu people. “My mother is a Mamprusi, and they are my uncles, and they are partly responsible for my upbringing and training me,” he said.

He assured the committee that his background would not compromise his objectivity. “If I fail in this new job, then it means that there is a defect in the way they have trained me, and I believe that they trained me well, and I will vindicate them by living up to their expectations,” he stated.

“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.

Mr. Ayariga, who also serves as the Majority Leader in Parliament, is one of several nominees being vetted by the committee following their submission by President John Dramani Mahama.