Mahama names Zanetor Rawlings for Environment, reassigns Ayariga to Local Government in first reshuffle

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Klottey Korle Member of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, as Minister designate for Environment, Science and Technology.

This forms part of a cabinet shake-up aimed at filling key government positions.

If confirmed, the MP will replace the late Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.

The President has also nominated Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga as Minister designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while reassigning two other ministers to new portfolios.

The nominations were submitted to Parliament on Friday, August 7, 2026, in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval before ministers can assume office.

Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, the daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, has represented the Klottey Korle constituency in Parliament since 2017.

Her appointment comes after months of speculation over her possible elevation to cabinet, with the legislator having served on Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee and advocated for measures to address environmental challenges, including flooding.

The Environment portfolio had been without a substantive minister following the death of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in the August 2025 helicopter crash that also claimed the life of former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah.

As part of the changes, President Mahama has reassigned Kenneth Gilbert Adjei from the Ministry of Works and Housing to the Ministry of Defence.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who had been acting as Defence Minister since the death of Dr Omane Boamah, is expected to hand over the portfolio once the new nominees are approved.

The President has also reassigned Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for Banda, to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

The appointments 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 submitted to the House for approval.

The changes come as President Mahama continues efforts to strengthen his administration and fill positions that became vacant following the August 2025 tragedy that claimed the lives of eight officials, including two cabinet ministers.