A governance and political expert, Jonathan Asante Otchere, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive Defence Minister, describing the prolonged delay as unusual despite the country’s current stability.
Speaking on Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem, hosted by Nana Dodge, Mr. Otchere reacted to recent comments by government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who reportedly stated that President Mahama sees no urgency in appointing a substantive Defence Minister because the ministry continues to function effectively following the death of the late minister in August 2025.
According to Mr. Otchere, while he agrees that the country remains stable, he also understands the concerns being raised over the absence of a substantive minister at the Defence Ministry.
He explained that Ghana remains safe because the country’s security institutions — including the military, police, BNI, and other security agencies — continue to perform their duties effectively. He added that economic stability also plays a major role in maintaining peace and security in the country.
Mr. Otchere noted that when the economy is stable and citizens are not burdened by hardship and hunger, it reflects positively on governance and the overall national security situation.
However, the political analyst expressed concern over the continued vacancy at the Defence Ministry, stating that many grassroots supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are unhappy with the situation.
He argued that party grassroots supporters need a substantive minister they can engage with on matters concerning security and development within the ministry. According to him, it appears the President has not yet decided who should permanently occupy the position.
Mr. Otchere further questioned why no suitable candidate has been appointed, insisting that there are many capable men and women within the NDC who can effectively handle the role.
He maintained that President Mahama’s decision to run a lean government with fewer ministers should not prevent the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister, considering the sensitivity of the ministry.
Describing the delay as disappointing to party supporters who worked hard to return the NDC to power, Mr. Otchere suggested that, in the interim, the responsibility could have been assigned to the Interior Minister.
He concluded by commending the efforts of the country’s security agencies in maintaining peace and stability while urging the President to heed public concerns and appoint a substantive Defence Minister as soon as possible.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
