Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has referred two ministerial nominees of President John Dramani Mahama to the Appointments Committee for vetting and consideration.
The nominees are Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who has been nominated to serve as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, and Mahama Ayariga, nominated to head the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The referral was made on Monday, August 24, 2026, during an emergency sitting of Parliament. It followed the Speaker’s communication to the House on President Mahama’s nominations.
Speaker Bagbin directed the Appointments Committee to conduct the necessary vetting and submit its report to Parliament for further consideration.
He also reminded members of the limited time available to complete the process due to the emergency nature of Parliament’s recall.
According to the Speaker, the committee must work within the one week outlined in his notice recalling Parliament.
He stressed the need for the committee to conclude its work in time for the relevant motions to be brought before the House in accordance with Parliament’s Standing Orders.
“I accordingly refer the two to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report to the House,” Speaker Bagbin told Parliament.
He further urged the committee to take into account the short duration of the emergency sitting as it schedules and conducts the vetting of the nominees.
The referral now clears the way for the two nominees to appear before the Appointments Committee, where they are expected to answer questions on their qualifications, experience and plans for the ministries they have been nominated to lead.
The committee will subsequently present its findings and recommendations to the House. Parliament will then consider the report and determine the next steps regarding the nominees.
The process forms part of Parliament’s constitutional role in scrutinising presidential ministerial appointments before they can be approved by the House.
