The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has responded to public calls for the appointment of a substantive Minister for the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking on Channel One on Monday, October 27, 2025, the minister said President John Dramani Mahama will ensure that the most suitable leader is appointed to the Ministry of Defence, the sector responsible for the country’s security.

Appoint new Defence Minister or assume the role yourself - Mahama told

He indicated that the president is aware of his responsibilities, adding that a decision will be made in due course.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Kwakye Ofosu’s remarks come in response to criticism from Members of Parliament, security experts, and sections of the public, who argue that the vacancy poses a risk to Ghana’s national security amid growing instability in the sub-region.

Former Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, is among those calling on President Mahama to urgently appoint a substantive Defence Minister to provide leadership in addressing emerging security threats across the country.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Friday, October 24, 2025, Nitiwul expressed concern that the prolonged delay could affect the effective functioning of the ministry.

“The deputy cannot act as the Defence Minister. It is the reason the President asked the finance minister to act as the interim Defence Minister. But we all know that the finance minister doesn’t have time. I think it is time for the President to nominate someone to take over,” he said.

He emphasised that growing insecurity in the West African sub-region demands strong and focused leadership at Ghana’s Defence Ministry.

“In the West Africa region, terrorism is becoming endemic. We are enjoying peace, but we are constantly threatened by insecurities around us. I think we need somebody who will offer leadership,” Nitiwul stressed.

Also, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has also criticised President Mahama for what he described as an “irresponsible delay” in appointing a new Minister of Defence.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Rev Fordjour warned that the vacancy has left Ghana exposed at a time of increasing security threats.

“Nearly three months without a substantive Defence Minister is a dangerous gamble and a reckless potential compromise of our territorial integrity. What a dangerous inaction!” he wrote.

Pressure mounts on President Mahama to appoint defence minister

Following the tragic August 6, 2025, Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that claimed the life of then Minister of Defence Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the president directed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to temporarily oversee the Defence Ministry.

However, concerns have persisted as pressure continues to mount on the president to appoint a substantive minister.

MAG/MA

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