Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has officially assumed office as Ghana’s new Minister of Defence, taking charge of the ministry from Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who had been overseeing the portfolio for about a year.
The formal handing-over and signing-in ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence on Friday, August 14, 2026, bringing to an end Dr Ato Forson’s period as caretaker of the ministry.
Dr Ato Forson was assigned responsibility for the Defence Ministry following the death of the substantive minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The transition was formally completed with both ministers signing the relevant handover documents, paving the way for Mr Adjei to assume full responsibility for the ministry and its operations.
Addressing staff and officials at the ceremony, Mr Adjei called for collective support for the Ghana Armed Forces as they continue to protect Ghana’s territorial integrity and safeguard the country’s national security.
He said the success of the defence establishment requires collaboration between political leadership, civilian staff and the military.
Mr Adjei also assured civilian and military personnel at the ministry of an open-door leadership style, signalling his intention to engage widely with staff and stakeholders as he begins his tenure.
His appointment comes at a significant time for Ghana’s defence establishment, with the ministry continuing to deal with the institutional and emotional impact of the death of Dr Omane Boamah.
Deputy Minister of Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi welcomed Mr Adjei to the ministry and expressed appreciation to Dr Ato Forson for his service during the period he oversaw the defence portfolio.
He pledged his support to the new minister and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the ministry.
Mr Genfi’s remarks underscored the importance of continuity within the ministry as the new minister assumes responsibility for Ghana’s defence policy and the administration of the sector.
For Dr Ato Forson, Friday’s ceremony marked the conclusion of an unusual period in which he combined his substantive duties as Finance Minister with responsibility for the Defence Ministry.
In a message following the handover, Dr Forson said he was leaving the ministry with gratitude and a sense of fulfilment.
“I leave this Ministry with deep gratitude, a profound sense of honour and the satisfaction of duty fulfilled.”
He also congratulated Mr Adjei on his appointment and assured him of his continued support as he takes up the new responsibility.
Dr Forson’s tenure as caretaker formally ends with the appointment of Mr Adjei, allowing him to return his full attention to his substantive role as Finance Minister.
Mr Adjei is not new to the Defence Ministry.
Before his latest appointment, he served as Deputy Minister of Defence during President John Dramani Mahama’s first administration. His previous experience at the ministry is expected to give him familiarity with its structures, personnel and operations.
He was reassigned to the Defence Ministry from the Works, Housing and Water Resources portfolio as part of President Mahama’s ministerial reshuffle announced on August 7, 2026.
His new role will require him to provide political leadership for the ministry, oversee the implementation of government’s defence policies and work closely with the Ghana Armed Forces on issues relating to national defence and security.
The formal assumption of office by Kenneth Gilbert Adjei therefore marks a new chapter for the Ministry of Defence after a year of interim leadership.
While the ceremony was largely about transition, it also served as a moment to reflect on the legacy of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah and the circumstances that led to the prolonged period of caretaker leadership.
Mr Adjei now takes full charge of the ministry, with expectations that his previous experience within the defence establishment will help him navigate the demands of the portfolio and provide continuity in Ghana’s national defence and security agenda.
