Mahama Ayariga, born on May 24, 1974, is a prominent Ghanaian lawyer and politician, currently serving as the Majority Leader in Parliament. A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ayariga’s political career spans several years, during which he held key ministerial positions under the John Dramani Mahama administration, including Minister of Information and Media Relations and Minister of Youth and Sports.
Early Life and Education
Ayariga was born in Bawku, in the Upper East Region of Ghana. He pursued his education both locally and internationally, attending the Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He furthered his studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Later, he obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the prestigious Harvard Law School in the United States.
Career Background
Ayariga began his professional career as a Teaching Assistant in Natural Resources Law and International Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana. His passion for human rights and social justice led him to co-found and serve as Executive Director of the Legal Resources Centre, an organization focused on promoting human rights, community development, and social justice.
Political Journey
Ayariga’s political journey began in 2005 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central. Although he lost his seat in the 2008 elections to Adamu Dramani Sakande of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he regained it in 2012 following Sakande’s conviction for standing for election while holding citizenship of another country, which violated the Ghanaian constitution.
Under President John Evans Atta Mills’ administration in 2009, Ayariga was appointed Presidential Spokesman before being appointed Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and later Deputy Minister of Education. In January 2013, President John Dramani Mahama nominated him as Minister for Information.
Current Role as Majority Leader
On January 23, 2025, Mahama Ayariga officially assumed the position of Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, following the appointment of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Minister of Finance. Forson’s elevation to the Finance Ministry created a vacancy in the Majority Leadership, which has now been filled by Ayariga.
Ayariga continues to serve as a member of the Appointments Committee in the 7th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
His extensive experience in law, politics, and leadership positions putd him as a key figure in shaping Ghana’s legislative agenda moving forward.
Writer: NAYA
