‘Ghanaians expect results’: President Mahama says as he swears in Ayariga & Zanetor.

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in two new Cabinet Ministers. He urged them to serve with courage, humility, and a strong commitment to Ghana's people.

The new ministers are Mahama Ayariga, who will lead the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who will head the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.

Administering the oaths, President Mahama reminded the new ministers that public office is "a privilege and not a right." He noted that their roles come with a serious responsibility to serve with complete integrity.

"The oaths administered this morning are not mere formalities," President Mahama stated. "They are solemn commitments to serve the people of Ghana with integrity, humility, fairness, and fidelity to our Constitution. Public office requires us to place the national interest above personal convenience, political consideration, and sectional interest."

The President outlined Mr Mahama Ayariga's mandate and pointed to his experience as a legislator, lawyer, and former Minister of State as important strengths for leading administrative reform.

President Mahama asked him to make decentralisation matter to people in all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and to help restore order in Ghana's cities.

"Local government is where our ordinary citizens most directly encounter the state," the President noted. "MMDAs must become more accountable, financially disciplined, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. You must also work to restore order to our cities and towns. Poor spatial planning, uncontrolled development, sanitation challenges, congestion, and the persistent encroachment of public spaces cannot continue to be left unchecked."

For Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, President Mahama encouraged Mr Ayariga to work with traditional leaders and religious groups with wisdom, patience, and fairness. He said Ghana's cultural and religious diversity should be "a source of strength rather than a source of division."

Addressing Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, President Mahama said her background in medical training, parliament, and public health provides a crucial perspective on the direct link between environmental degradation and human health.

He encouraged her to lead efforts against illegal mining (galamsey) and to speed up work on climate resilience.

"The environment is not separate from human health," President Mahama stated. "Polluted rivers, contaminated soils, poor sanitation, unsafe air, and indiscriminate waste disposal eventually find expression in our hospitals. The destruction of our forests and water bodies through illegal mining remains one of the gravest threats to our national survival. This administration will continue to act firmly against those who place private profits above the collective well-being of our people."

The President also told the Environment Ministry to make science, technology, and innovation central to Ghana's growth. He encouraged more research, support for local inventors, and using technology to help young people in areas like farming, healthcare, climate resilience, and the digital economy.

Highlighting the strong partnership, President Mahama pointed out that both ministers worked well together in Parliament. He asked them to avoid working in isolation and to cooperate closely, saying that good governance depends on teamwork between institutions. When institutions collaborate, not when ministries operate as isolated entities," the President stated. "Our traditional leaders, religious bodies, district assemblies, scientists, civil society organisations, and local communities must all be treated as partners in your success."

"Let me remind you that the Ghanaian people expect results. They expect integrity, accessibility, and accountability. They expect public officials to listen to them and act with urgency. Be firm when firmness is required but always remember to remain humble. Listen to professional advice, respect institutions under your leadership, and ensure that public resources are managed prudently. Let every decision you take withstand the test of legality, fairness, and public interest."

Mr Mahama Ayariga thanked President Mahama for trusting them with these roles, promising the residents and the nation that they would uphold the administration's promises to Ghanaians and help move the country forward.