By Gifty Boateng
President John Dramani Mahama has put to rest rumors about filling the vacant Defence Ministry, following the untimely death of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah in the August helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including other senior government officials.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Ghana Muslim Mission at Jubilee House on November 25, the President made it clear that no appointments would be made before the Christmas and New Year holidays. Both the Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology remain unfilled for now.
Amid widespread speculation on social media that Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korley Klottey and daughter of former President Jerry Rawlings, would be appointed Defence Minister, President Mahama urged patience.
“The appointments will be done next year after the holiday season. We are not in a hurry,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to disciplined governance and fiscal prudence.
The President noted the tragic loss of two ministers has left the cabinet below the 60-member cap promised by his administration. “We’re currently working with 58 ministers after losing two comrades, and we have not filled those positions yet,” he added.
Names frequently floated as potential Defence Minister replacements include Prosper Douglas Bani, former Minister for Interior and current National Security Advisor, and James Agalga, MP for Builsa North and Chair of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee. Agalga, a deputy interior minister in the previous government, brings significant parliamentary and executive experience.
Little is known yet about possible nominees for the Environment Ministry, which was headed by the late Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed before the crash.
Presently, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson are overseeing Defence and Environment portfolios respectively.
This announcement follows the tragic crash on August 6 of a Ghana Air Force helicopter en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation. The crash claimed the lives of:
– Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
– Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
– Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
– Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice-Chair
– Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
– Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
– Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
– Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
As the nation mourns the loss, President Mahama assures that appointees to these vital ministries will be carefully considered and announced in the new year.