James Agalga to become Ghana's new Majority Leader

Ghana's governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has chosen James Agalga as the new Majority Leader in Parliament, replacing Mahama Ayariga.

Mr Agalga, the MP for Builsa North in the Upper East Region, has been in Parliament since 2013 and is serving his fourth term.

The change follows President John Mahama's nomination of Mr Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in a cabinet reshuffle.

The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, confirmed the appointment to local media.

"Yes, it is true that James Agalga is the new Majority Leader," he said.

Mr Agalga previously served as Deputy Interior Minister under Mr Mahama's first administration.

He will lead the NDC's majority caucus in Parliament, which holds 183 of the 275 seats.

Cape Coast South MP Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, who is also serving his fourth term, remains Deputy Majority Leader.

The parliamentary leadership change comes as part of a wider reshuffle by President Mahama.

Mr Mahama has nominated Klottey Korle MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has been moved from Works, Housing and Water Resources to Defence, while Ahmed Ibrahim has been reassigned from Local Government to Works, Housing and Water Resources.