President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Klottey Korle Member of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, in a move to fill vacant positions within his administration.

The President has also named Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga as the proposed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while announcing new portfolios for two other members of his government.

The nominations were communicated to Parliament on Friday, August 7, 2026, in line with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval for ministerial appointments.

Dr Agyemang-Rawlings, daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, has served as the Klottey Korle legislator since 2017.

Her nomination follows growing interest in her possible inclusion in cabinet, having served on Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee and spoken on issues relating to environmental protection, climate challenges and flooding.

She takes over a ministry that has been without a substantive minister since the death of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in the August 2025 military helicopter crash, which also claimed the life of former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah.

As part of the latest changes, President Mahama has moved Kenneth Gilbert Adjei to the Ministry of Defence, taking over from Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who had been managing the portfolio in an acting capacity following Dr Omane Boamah’s death.

The President has also reassigned Banda MP Ahmed Ibrahim to head the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

The appointment of Mahama Ayariga is expected to restore substantive leadership at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, which had remained without a permanent minister after the previous occupant was appointed Chief of Staff.

The changes were announced in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications.

The nominees are expected to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting, after which their nominations will be presented to the House for approval.

The latest appointments form part of President Mahama’s efforts to complete his ministerial team and address vacancies created following the August 2025 helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of eight public officials, including two cabinet ministers.