James Agalga, the Member of Parliament for Builsa North, has been named the new Majority Leader in Parliament following the nomination of Mahama Ayariga to serve as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Agalga, who entered Parliament on January 7, 2013, is serving his fourth consecutive term representing the people of Builsa North in the Upper East Region. His elevation places him at the helm of the Majority Caucus as Parliament prepares for a new phase of leadership.
Confirming the development, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said: “Yes, it is true that James Agalga is the new Majority Leader.”
Ayariga’s ministerial nomination automatically brings his tenure as Majority Leader to an end, paving the way for Agalga’s appointment. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, remains Deputy Majority Leader. Like Agalga, he has served in Parliament since 2013 and is currently in his fourth term.
The leadership changes come after President John Mahama announced a ministerial reshuffle on Friday, August 7, 2026. As part of the changes, Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings has been nominated as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, while Mahama Ayariga has been nominated to head the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The President also reassigned two serving ministers. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has been moved to the Ministry of Defence, while Ahmed Ibrahim will now serve as Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources.
According to the Presidency, the changes are aimed at strengthening government operations, improving service delivery and advancing the administration’s development agenda.
The nominations have been submitted to Parliament for consideration. The Appointments Committee is expected to vet the nominees before presenting its report to the House for approval.
Under Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, ministers are appointed by the President subject to prior approval by Parliament. Once approved, the new ministers will officially assume office, while the reassigned ministers are expected to begin work in their new portfolios.
