Mahama Ayariga Outlines GH¢20 Billion Revenue Goal for Local Assemblies and Conditions for National Cathedral Completion

Mahama Ayariga, the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on August 27, 2026, outlining a bold vision for fiscal decentralization and the future of religious infrastructure in Ghana. Central to his presentation was an ambitious target to generate GH¢20 billion annually from property rates, a move designed to make Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) financially self-sufficient. Ayariga emphasized that current local revenue generation is significantly underperforming and requires a transformative shift toward a fully digital management system to enhance accountability and eliminate the diversion of public funds.

Addressing the committee, Ayariga proposed a nationwide program for the accurate identification, description, and valuation of properties. He argued that the GH¢20 billion estimate is conservative based on expert analysis, despite being significantly higher than previous projections from the Ghana Revenue Authority. By leveraging digital infrastructure, the Minister-designate intends to track the entire revenue chain—from valuation and billing to collection and disbursement—thereby reducing human interference and political patronage that often lead to mismanagement. He asserted that empowering local assemblies with this level of financial autonomy would align Ghana’s local governance more closely with successful international models seen in major global cities.

On the controversial National Cathedral project, Ayariga characterized the initiative as a "right idea" that suffered from "poor execution" under the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. While acknowledging the importance of religion in Ghanaian life, he raised specific concerns regarding the project's current location and implementation strategy. Ayariga indicated a willingness to explore funding for the project’s completion, but only if it receives parliamentary approval and the explicit backing of both the Christian community and President John Mahama. He further noted that a completed forensic audit, which addressed financial irregularities previously identified by Deloitte and Touche, has been submitted to the Attorney General to guide future legal and financial decisions.

The vetting session also touched on personal and professional relationships within the Ninth Parliament. Ayariga publicly acknowledged his marriage to Hon. Millicent Yeboah-Amankwa, the newly elected MP for Sunyani West, making them one of the notable power couples in the current legislature. He also received praise for his bipartisan rapport with Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, whom he commended for his integrity and resilience. Furthermore, Ayariga sought to allay concerns regarding potential bias, assuring the Mamprugu Traditional Council and the public that he would discharge his duties with strict impartiality, using his deep-rooted community connections to enhance objective service rather than favoritism.