Hot SourceThe Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured Ghanaians that President John Dramani Mahama will in due course appoint a substantive Minister of Defence to fill the leadership vacuum created by the death of Dr Edward Omane Boamah.
Dr Boamah, who had served as Defence Minister, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on 6 August. Since then, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has been serving as acting Minister of Defence.
The prolonged vacancy at the Defence Ministry has generated growing public concern, with calls from various quarters urging the president to expedite the appointment of a replacement. Among those calling for swift action is former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP, Dominic Nitiwul.
Mr Nitiwul expressed concern over the delay, warning that Ghana’s defence sector requires stable and focused leadership to deal with the rising threats of terrorism and insecurity across the West African sub-region. He urged President Mahama to move quickly, either by elevating the current deputy minister or appointing a new candidate, to ensure continuity and effective policy direction at the Defence Ministry.
Speaking on Newsfeed on Channel One TV on Monday (27 October), Mr Kwakye Ofosu dismissed suggestions that there were difficulties in selecting a new minister, stressing that President Mahama’s decision-making process is deliberate, measured and guided by national security priorities.
“President Mahama fully understands his responsibilities and whereas he had a close relationship with the late Minister Omane Boamah, the president is pragmatic and professional enough to understand that life has gone on,” he said.
“Whatever needs to be done will be done to ensure that the Defence Ministry has the best of leadership and the policies that they implement contribute to the overall development of our country and ensure our safety and security. In due course, that announcement will be made.”
Mr Kwakye Ofosu added that the president’s approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that the Defence Ministry continues to function effectively despite the loss of its former minister. He noted that under Dr Ato Forson’s temporary leadership, the ministry remains aligned with national defence priorities and continues to contribute to Ghana’s overall security strategy.
The government, meanwhile, maintains that the transition process is being handled with the seriousness it deserves, to ensure stability, continuity and effective leadership within the Defence Ministry.
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