Former Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to as a matter of urgency appoint a substantive Minister for Defence to provide leadership in addressing emerging security threats across the country.
President Mahama appointed the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to act as Defence Minister following the tragic death of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. Since then, the Defence Ministry has been without a substantive minister.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Friday, October 24, Nitiwul expressed concern over the prolonged delay in making a substantive appointment, warning that it could affect the effective functioning of the ministry.
“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. 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,” he said.
The former Defence Minister further noted that growing insecurity within the West African sub-region demands strong and focused leadership at Ghana’s Defence Ministry.
“In the West Africa region, terrorism is becoming endemic. We are enjoying peace, but we are always threatened by insecurities around us, and I think we need somebody who will offer leadership,” Nitiwul stressed.
He added that President Mahama should act swiftly, whether by elevating the current deputy minister or nominating a new appointee, to ensure stability and continuity in the country’s defence administration.
“That long delay is not helpful,” he cautioned.
