Mireku Duker questions Ayariga’s grassroots experience for Local Gov’t Ministry

Former Tarkwa Member of Parliament Mireku Duker has raised concerns about whether former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga possesses the grassroots experience needed to effectively serve as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

According to Mr Duker, although Mr Ayariga is an accomplished parliamentarian, lawyer and former minister, the Local Government Ministry requires a different set of experience, particularly a strong understanding of grassroots politics and local governance.

“I don’t see him as a local person. To be even a local government minister, I don’t see him as such,” Mr Duker said.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Mr Duker argued that the ministry needed someone who could connect directly with ordinary Ghanaians and appreciate the realities and dynamics of governance at the local level.
“We need a very local person who resonates,” he said.

Mr Duker said his assessment was informed by his own experience as a Municipal Chief Executive and his previous work at the Ministry of Local Government.

“I’ve been a municipal chief executive before. I’ve worked at the Ministry of Local Government before. So I know how it works, the dynamics of the ministry,” he explained.

He acknowledged Mr Ayariga’s competence and extensive parliamentary experience but maintained that this did not necessarily make him a grassroots politician.

“He’s up there as a Member of Parliament who understands the rigours of Parliament, but not necessarily a local politician like Ahmed,” he said, referring to Ibrahim Ahmed, who was reassigned from the Local Government Ministry to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

Despite his reservations, Mr Duker stressed that his comments were not a reflection of any personal dislike for Mr Ayariga, whom he described as a friend and a highly capable individual.

“Ayariga is a fine gentleman. He’s really deep. He’s my friend. I know him very well, and I can vouch for him,” Mr Duker said.

All this follows after President John Dramani Mahama announced a ministerial reshuffle, in which Mahama Ayariga was nominated as the minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.