President John Mahama has announced his decision to defer the appointment of replacements for the late Defence and Environment Ministers until after the Christmas and New Year holidays, specifically next year, 2026. Speaking at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 25, during a courtesy call by the Ghana Muslim Mission, the President addressed the widespread speculations surrounding the critical ministerial vacancies.

These vacancies arose from a tragic helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed the lives of both ministers and six other officials. The Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter, tail number GHF 631, crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while on an anti-illegal mining operation. All eight persons on board perished, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. Other victims were 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; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

President Mahama emphasized that his government is in no rush to make these appointments, prioritizing governing with discipline and focus to stabilize the economy. He stated, “We’re not in a hurry. I’ll do those appointments next year after the holiday - the Christmas and the New Year. We’ll fill those positions.” He also reiterated his administration's commitment to keeping the number of ministers under 60, noting that despite critics’ doubts, they are currently operating with 58 ministers due to the unfortunate loss of the two comrades. He highlighted the importance of fiscal discipline and hard work in navigating economic challenges.

However, this decision has drawn sharp criticism from Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on the same day, Tuesday, November 25, the Assin South MP condemned President Mahama's deferral of a substantive Defence Minister appointment until 2026 as “reckless” and a severe threat to national security. Mr. Fordjour argued that the country is currently facing a complex array of national security crises, including violent extremism, pervasive terrorism threats, and an increasingly sophisticated illegal mining ('galamsey') network armed with high-grade weapons.

He further pointed to the Gbenyiri conflict, which has displaced over 48,000 people, with 23,000 becoming refugees in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. According to Mr. Fordjour, these pressing developments demand strong, focused leadership at the Defence Ministry. He also raised concerns about Ghana’s commitments under the Accra Initiative, which involves a regional military strategy to counter violent extremism, asserting that the absence of a substantive Defence Minister compromises these efforts. He warned that combining the critical portfolio of Defence with Finance under one acting person is "misconceived," potentially weakening Ghana's defence posture and national security strategy at a crucial time.