The newly appointed Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has emphasised that leadership positions should be conferred by peers and not actively sought after.
Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, January 28, the Bawku Central MP shared his thoughts on his new role and the principles that have guided his political journey.
“It is exciting to be sitting there,” he began, reflecting on his appointment following the swearing-in of his predecessor, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as Finance Minister.
“In my career, I have been an assemblyman, an MP, Deputy Minister of State, Minister of State, and even presidential spokesperson. The only thing I really have never been is to lead that caucus in the chamber.
"So, it comes with some sense of satisfaction that ultimately, I am leading in the chamber at a time when we have such an overwhelming majority and our party is in power.”
Mr Ayariga expressed gratitude to his colleagues in Parliament and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their support in his appointment.
“I really thank my colleagues for deciding to support my nomination as their leader, and I thank the party leadership. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who has been a former member of Parliament and understands the House very well, has been instrumental.
"The General Secretary was my colleague for about eight to twelve years, and President John Mahama, the leader of our party, who was also a colleague in Parliament and is now my boss, has shown incredible faith in me.”
He reflected on his political career with pride but stressed that he has never actively pursued positions of leadership.
“To tell you the truth, it’s not a position that I have ever actively gone out there to seek. At all times when the party is about to choose leadership, my name has always been out there. But I’ve never really gone out there pursuing it,” the former Sports Minister revealed.
For Mr Ayariga, the essence of leadership lies in the confidence of one’s peers rather than personal ambition.
“I believe that leadership should be conferred on you when your colleagues, your peers, develop enough confidence in you to believe that you should lead. And so, I don’t go out there seeking positions.
"All my bosses, they will tell you, I’ve never really gone out there to seek a position. I always wait. If my peers, my colleagues, and my party people feel that I can play a certain role very well, and they approach me, I just proceed.”
Latest Stories
-
OSP’s actions threaten Ghana’s international relations – Dr Stephen Amoah
1 minute -
National Cathedral: It’s time to probe and punish culprits – Alhassan Suhuyini
8 minutes -
The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo introduces ‘Women in Agribusiness Industry Mixer’
13 minutes -
New GIPC CEO meets staff, outlines vision for growth
14 minutes -
We can’t overlook the benefits of Free SHS – Adutwum
31 minutes -
New Registrar of Births & Deaths to be reassigned after CLOGSAG’s resistance
38 minutes -
Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah Becomes West Africa’s First Deaf Professor
41 minutes -
Huudu Yahaya set to be appointed Board Chairman of Ghana Gas
46 minutes -
Rapid urbanisation and dwindling green spaces fuels urban heat islands in Accra
55 minutes -
Gov’t to work closely with chiefs to resolve disputes and promote peace – Ahmed Ibrahim
1 hour -
Promasidor Ghana dialogues with partners, honors top-performing distributors
1 hour -
Michael Abbiw is new President of CIMG
1 hour -
Ex-Ghana assistant coach linked to Blackburn Rovers
2 hours -
The Great Betting Tax Debate – Should Ghana scrap tax on winnings?
2 hours -
Ministry of Finance releases new report on Ghana’s VAT system
2 hours