The Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured that President John Dramani Mahama fully understands his responsibilities and that a substantive appointment for the Ministry of Defence will be made in due course.
Since the August 6 helicopter crash that took the life of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Ministry of Defence has been under the temporary leadership of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who was appointed as acting Defence Minister.
The prolonged vacancy has prompted calls from some quarters, including former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul, for a substantive appointment to address emerging security challenges in the country.
Nitiwul expressed concern over the delay, noting that the increasing threats of terrorism and insecurity across the West African sub-region demand strong and focused leadership at Ghana’s Defence Ministry.
He urged President Mahama to act swiftly, whether by elevating the current deputy minister or nominating a new appointee, to ensure continuity and stability in the nation’s defence administration.
Speaking on Newsfeed on Channel One TV on Monday October 27, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed concerns about any difficulty in appointing a successor, reaffirming President Mahama’s administration’s commitment to filling the leadership gap and emphasising that the process will ensure the Defence Ministry operates effectively and in alignment with national security priorities.
He noted that “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.”
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