Former Tarkwa MP Mireku Duker has raised questions about whether newly appointed Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Mahama Ayariga has sufficient grassroots political experience for the role.

Mr Duker acknowledged Mr Ayariga’s extensive experience as a lawyer, parliamentarian and former minister, but argued that managing the Local Government Ministry requires a different set of skills, particularly a strong understanding of local politics and community-level governance.

He said the ministry needed a leader who could connect with ordinary Ghanaians and appreciate the realities of local administration.

“We need a very local person who resonates,” he said.

Mr Duker pointed to his own experience as a former Municipal Chief Executive and a staff member at the Local Government Ministry, saying it had given him an understanding of the ministry’s operations and the challenges associated with local governance.

“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 said.

Speaking on Citi FM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Mr Duker said parliamentary experience alone did not necessarily prepare someone for the demands of grassroots political engagement.

“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 has been reassigned to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

Despite his reservations, Mr Duker praised Mr Ayariga’s competence and described him as a close friend and accomplished lawyer, saying he had confidence in his abilities.

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

President John Dramani Mahama announced the latest ministerial appointments and reassignments on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Mr Ayariga was appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Ibrahim Ahmed was moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.