Security analyst Mr. Samuel Owusu has urged President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive Minister for Defence within the next two to three weeks, warning that any further delay could expose Ghana to national security lapses and disrupt critical decision-making at the Ministry.
Speaking on the current leadership vacuum at the Defence Ministry following the death of Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah in the August 6 Helicopter tragedy, Mr. Owusu described the situation as untenable for a ministry as vital as Defence.
He cautioned that the caretaker arrangement, under which Finance Minister Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson oversees the portfolio, is unsustainable due to the dual nature of his responsibilities.
“I think the president, by now, has had a lot of consultations and must have discussed this with the National Security and all the security advisers. So I think he should be able to do this soon. It shouldn’t travel beyond another two or three weeks – we shouldn’t have this issue still hanging by then”
Mr. Samuel Owusu, Security Analyst
According to Mr. Owusu, the absence of a substantive minister hampers the ministry’s ability to make timely decisions on defence policy, resource allocation, and regional security cooperation. He further warned that prolonged indecision could weaken coordination within the Ghana Armed Forces and affect Ghana’s collaboration with international partners in addressing transnational security threats.
Mr. Owusu underscored that the Ministry of Defence plays a critical role in preserving national peace and stability. He added that President Mahama has competent individuals around him capable of assuming the position and restoring full functionality to the ministry. “The president should do this as a matter of urgency,” he urged.
His call aligned with similar sentiments expressed by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who described the government’s failure to appoint a substantive Defence Minister nearly three months after Dr. Boamah’s death as “dangerous and reckless.”
Rev. Fordjour warned that the continued vacancy poses significant risks to Ghana’s territorial integrity and national preparedness at a time when the sub-region is facing increasing security challenges. He said the delay amounts to “a dangerous gamble” by the government.
Nitiwul Backs Urgent Appointment
Former Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, also joined the growing calls for an immediate appointment. Speaking earlier, he stressed that leadership at the Defence Ministry cannot remain in limbo when threats of terrorism and insecurity persist across West Africa.
“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 that it is time for the president to look for and nominate somebody to take over.
“We are enjoying peace, but we are always threatened by the insecurities around us. Terrorism is becoming endemic in the West Africa region”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, Former Minister for Defence and MP for Bimbilla
Hon, Nitiwul explained that Ghana’s relative peace must not breed complacency, urging the President to prioritize the ministry’s leadership whether through promotion of the current deputy minister or nomination of a new appointee.
He cautioned that the extended delay is not helpful for Ghana’s effective defence administration.
Government Assures Appointment
Meanwhile, Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured that President Mahama is fully aware of the urgency of the situation and will appoint a substantive Defence Minister in due course.
He said the President remains committed to ensuring that the Ministry of Defence functions effectively despite the temporary arrangement.
“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”
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister in Charge of Government Communications
He added that the President’s decision-making process reflects his commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the ministry has the best leadership to support Ghana’s defence and security priorities.
President Mahama appointed Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Acting Defence Minister following the death of Dr. Omane Boamah in August. Since then, the Ministry of Defence has remained without a substantive head, prompting renewed calls for action from analysts and politicians alike.
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