By Francis Kobena Tandoh
President John Dramani Mahama said on Tuesday he will appoint new Defence and Environment (Science & Technology) Ministers next year after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Addressing Muslim leaders at the Jubilee House, the President observed that his government is not rushing to make those appointments.
According to Mahama, the delay is partly out of respect for the two ministers who died in the tragic helicopter crash earlier this year.
He also reiterated a promise his government made to limit the number of ministers to no more than 60. He noted that, following the loss of the two ministers, his team currently has 58 ministers.
The positions became vacant after a helicopter crash on August 6 2025 that killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Defence Minister) and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Environment, Science & Technology Minister).
Immediately after the crash, Mahama appointed Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Finance Minister) as Acting Defence Minister, while Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (Lands & Natural Resources Minister) was made Acting Environment, Science & Technology Minister.
By saying he’ll wait until “after the holidays,” Mahama suggests he wants to take his time — perhaps to choose the right persons, rather than rush.
His remarks about not filling the roles quickly “after Allah took our comrades” probably reflect a mix of state mourning and political sensitivity.
The reference to the 60-minister limit indicates that he’s conscious of political optics (or a campaign promise) about keeping the cabinet lean. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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