Builsa North Member of Parliament James Agalga is the leading contender to become the next Majority Leader of Parliament following Mahama Ayariga’s appointment to President John Dramani Mahama’s cabinet, sources within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus have told MyJoyOnline.

Mr Ayariga, who served as Majority Leader, has been reassigned as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in President Mahama’s first cabinet reshuffle announced on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Sources indicate that the NDC Caucus has settled on the former Deputy Minister for Interior over South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who had also been tipped for the position.

The decision is yet to be formally announced by the NDC parliamentary leadership.

The Builsa North MP served as Deputy Minister for Interior during President Mahama’s previous administration and holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Peace and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

He currently serves as Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, a role that has placed him at the centre of debates on national security and governance issues.

Party strategists are said to believe his experience in executive administration and parliamentary work will help him manage government business in the House.

The possible selection of Mr Agalga also maintains continuity in the NDC’s parliamentary leadership structure, as both he and Mr Ayariga are from the Upper East Region.

Sources suggest regional representation and parliamentary dynamics were among the factors considered during discussions over the replacement.

Mr Dafeamekpor, who has served as Majority Chief Whip since January 2025, was widely regarded as a strong contender for the position due to his experience coordinating parliamentary strategy and managing legislative business.

However, sources say the party ultimately favoured Mr Agalga’s approach and experience, particularly as the NDC prepares to manage an increasingly competitive parliamentary environment ahead of election 2028 in two and a half years.

The choice comes at a time when the Majority side will continue to engage with an assertive Minority led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

If confirmed, Mr Agalga’s immediate responsibility will be coordinating government legislative priorities, maintaining cohesion within the Majority side and steering parliamentary business ahead of the 2028 general election.