The delay by President John Mahama in appointing a substantive Minister for Defence has created the impression that the President is indecisive about selecting a qualified person for the role. Questions have also emerged over whether he prefers appointing someone from Parliament or outside Parliament.
The prolonged vacancy has raised concerns within political circles, with some observers suggesting that no suitable person within the party hierarchy has been identified to take over the ministry. The position has remained vacant for approximately nine months following the tragic death of former Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, in a helicopter crash in August 2025.
Since the incident, President Mahama has not named a permanent replacement. Instead, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been serving in an acting capacity.
Political analyst and Executive Director of Strategic African Studies, Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, believes the delay reflects the President’s continued commitment to running a lean government, as promised in his political agenda and manifesto to Ghanaians.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM hosted by Alexander Nana Dogbey in Accra, Mr. Otchere stated that the government appears confident in its current economic direction and stability.
He argued that the current administration is benefiting from economic policies introduced after what he described as “eight years of mismanagement” under the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, although Ghana has earned international recognition for its democratic credentials and peaceful political transitions within the sub-region, the President’s decision to leave such a strategic position vacant is not currently viewed as a threat to governance.
However, he cautioned that maintaining the vacancy in line with the vision of a lean government may not sit well with party faithfuls, many of whom see ministerial appointments as opportunities for broader political inclusion and employment creation for grassroots supporters.
In a related development, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has assured the public that the Defence Ministry remains in “safe hands” despite the continued absence of a substantive minister months after President Mahama indicated that one would be appointed.
He insisted that government operations and Ghana’s defence architecture have not suffered any setbacks because of the unprecedented vacancy.
During an interview, host Evans Mensah reminded Mr. Kwakye Ofosu that President Mahama had earlier suggested a Defence Minister would be appointed after the Christmas holidays, yet no announcement has been made.
Responding to the concern, the Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP stated that the decision rests solely with the President.
“Any day that the President communicates to me that he has appointed a Defence Minister, I’ll make it known to you,” he said.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the ministry continues to function effectively under the current arrangement.
“But I think that by and large, we have held the fort, and the government has functioned effectively. There have not been any lapses, as far as I know, in terms of Ghana’s defence architecture,” he stated.
He further argued that conditions within the sector are improving, citing ongoing military retooling and equipment acquisition efforts.
“Indeed, things appear to be improving on that front because they are acquiring additional firepower in terms of their equipment and retooling, and all that is going quite well,” he said.
He also suggested that having the Finance Minister oversee the ministry in an acting capacity may have helped accelerate funding and procurement processes.
“Perhaps it helps that the man who has to bankroll it — Dr. Ato Forson — is also the one serving in an acting capacity at the Defence Ministry. So everything is on track,” he noted.
When pressed further on why the President had still not nominated a substantive minister despite the lengthy delay, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu again defended the arrangement and dismissed concerns about instability within the ministry.
“So, what exactly is the problem at the Defence Ministry?” he asked.
“I want to stress that the Defence Ministry continues to be in safe and experienced hands, and it is running smoothly,” he added.
He reiterated that the President would make an appointment when he deemed it necessary.
“As and when the President deems it necessary to do so, he will act,” he concluded.