President John Dramani Mahama will today, Saturday, August 29, preside over the swearing‑in of Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman‑Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. The ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Jubilee House, will also see three newly approved nominees take the oath of office as Justices of the Supreme Court.
The event follows Parliament’s approval of five nominations on Thursday, August 27. The two ministerial nominees were endorsed by voice vote after Members of Parliament adopted the Appointments Committee’s report on their vetting. Parliament likewise confirmed Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr for elevation to the Supreme Court.
Their approval, however, was marked by contention. The Minority Caucus, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, withdrew from the committee proceedings after objections to the accelerated vetting process were dismissed. The Minority argued that fast‑tracking the nominations was unnecessary, noting that no immediate vacancy existed on the Supreme Court bench to justify such urgency.
But Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, dismissed the objection and described the grounds as “flimsy”, “hollow” and “baseless”. He maintained that the committee could not reverse a decision that had already been taken by the full House.
With Parliament’s approval now secured, today’s ceremony will complete the appointment process for the five nominees. The three Supreme Court nominees were put forward by President Mahama in consultation with the Judicial Council. The administration of the oaths of office and allegiance will formally bring their ministerial appointments into effect.
