Nearly three months after the tragic August 6, 2025, Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that claimed the life of the then Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the country remains without a substantive Defence Minister.

Following the incident, President John Dramani Mahama directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to temporarily oversee the responsibilities of the Defence Ministry until a new minister is appointed.

However, the prolonged delay in naming a substantive minister has sparked 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 within the sub-region.

Former Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has called on President Mahama to, as a matter of urgency, 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, Nitiwul expressed concern that the prolonged delay could affect the effective functioning of the ministry.

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

“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 criticized 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, 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.

Rev Fordjour’s remarks come amid rising tensions in border regions such as Gbenyiri, Sampa, and the conflict-prone Bawku, as well as persistent threats posed by illegal mining syndicates.

According to recent reports from the Ghana Refugee Board, over 23,000 Ghanaians have fled into neighbouring countries in recent months, escaping violence and insecurity.

“No serious country will run three months without a substantive Defence Minister,” Fordjour asserted, demanding immediate action to reinforce the Ghana Armed Forces and protect national borders.



In addition, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former government spokesperson on governance and security, has also joined calls for the urgent appointment of a substantive Defence Minister.

In an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM’s Frontline, Dr Boakye-Danquah argued that the delay in replacing the late Dr Omane Boamah poses a serious threat to national stability.

“I am urging President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive Defence Minister. The current chaos and insecurity are one too many. Since January 15, we have witnessed numerous violent incidents, including the Gbenyiri conflict, which resulted in the deaths of 34 people and displaced over 48,000 who are now refugees,” he said.

Dr Boakye-Danquah claimed that the security situation has worsened compared to the conditions inherited from former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“Akufo-Addo left Mahama a secure country and a stable economy. The security of the country is not currently being managed well,” he remarked.

He described the decision to assign Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to act as Defence Minister as an “unwise security decision,” arguing that the finance minister is already overwhelmed with economic responsibilities.

AM

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