Meet the ‘Ayarigas’: The first married couple to serve together in Ghana’s Parliament

Ghana’s Ninth Parliament has achieved a historic milestone with Mahama Ayariga, Bawku Central MP and Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, Sunyani West MP, becoming the first married couple serving concurrently as elected Members of Parliament.

Their marriage was publicly confirmed during Ayariga’s vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The relationship had remained undisclosed prior to this official confirmation, when Mrs. Yeboah Amankwah was introduced as the nominee’s wife.

Both legislators were independently elected to represent their respective constituencies. Ayariga has represented Bawku Central across multiple parliamentary terms, while Yeboah Amankwah represents Sunyani West.

During the vetting session, an exchange with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlighted their relationship. When asked about his sources of trust during difficulties, Ayariga responded: “Recently, when I got married, my lovely wife.”

This development distinguishes itself from previous parliamentary history in Ghana, where women succeeded their deceased husbands as MPs. The simultaneous service of this married couple establishes a notable first in Ghana’s parliamentary history.