Mahama names and reassigns ministers
President Announces Key Ministerial Changes
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a cabinet reshuffle, nominating new ministers and reassigning others to strengthen his administration and fill critical vacancies in government. The nominations, submitted to Parliament on Friday, August 7, 2026, were made in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval before ministerial appointments can take effect.
Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings Nominated for Environment Ministry
Klottey Korle Member of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, has been nominated as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. Her appointment follows months of speculation about her possible elevation to cabinet. Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings, who has represented Klottey Korle since 2017, has been an active member of Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee. She has consistently advocated policies aimed at tackling environmental issues, particularly flooding and climate-related challenges. She is the daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings.
Mahama Ayariga Named Local Government Minister
President Mahama has also nominated Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The appointment fills a vacancy created after the previous minister was reassigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff, leaving the ministry without a substantive head.
Ministers Reassigned to New Portfolios
As part of the cabinet changes, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has been reassigned to serve as Minister for Defence. The move means Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who had been acting as Defence Minister following the death of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, will hand over the portfolio. Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for Tepa, has also been reassigned to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Filling Vacancies Left by 2025 Tragedy
The appointment of Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings also fills the long-standing vacancy at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology following the death of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in the August 2025 helicopter crash.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of eight officials, including former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, creating vacancies in key ministries.
Parliamentary Approval Required
The nominations were announced in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications. The nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting before their names are presented to the House for approval.
Strengthening the Administration
The latest cabinet reshuffle reflects President Mahama’s ongoing efforts to strengthen his administration by filling vacant positions and ensuring effective leadership across key government ministries following the losses suffered in the August 2025 tragedy.
