It has been over a month since the passing of Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, on August 6, 2025. Yet, President John Dramani Mahama is yet to appoint a substantive replacement.
While agencies like the National Security, Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) continue to carry out their mandates, the absence of a substantive Defence Minister leaves a critical vacuum in Ghana’s security architecture.
Defence is arguably the most important sector in any country, and delays in appointing a substantive minister risk creating gaps in leadership. In a time when threats are evolving, continuity of leadership is essential to sustaining the policies and strategies needed to safeguard national security. Without it, the country’s ability to respond decisively and consistently is compromised.
The current situation also places an unsustainable burden on Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who is serving as Acting Defence Minister in addition to his primary responsibilities. He also chairs the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development’s Board of Governors.
With such a heavy workload, it is nearly impossible for him to devote the level of attention the Defence Ministry requires. This is an institution tasked with protecting Ghana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it demands focused leadership.
A substantive Defence Minister would also bring strategic leadership to national security discussions at the Cabinet level. The position goes beyond defence policy alone, influencing issues of human rights, justice, and peace. Swift and informed decision-making is crucial, and a permanent appointee would ensure stronger, more coordinated leadership in these critical areas.
Respect and expertise at the top of the ministry are also essential. The late Dr. Boamah was admired by Service Chiefs and security heads, and his successor must be able to command similar respect while demonstrating deep knowledge of national and regional security.
This would foster better collaboration not only within Ghana but also with defence counterparts across West Africa. Strengthened ties through joint training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building will enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces and improve civil-military relations at home.
The urgency of this appointment is underscored by the multiple, overlapping threats Ghana currently faces. Rising incidents of terrorism and violent extremism spilling over from Burkina Faso and Mali, illegal mining and its attendant risks, and communal conflicts in places like Bawku, Nkwanta, and Gbenyiri all demand decisive action.
Other pressing concerns include the proliferation of small arms, porous borders, youth unrest, political vigilantism, organized crime, cybercrime, and illicit drug use. These challenges cannot be managed by the Interior Ministry alone; they require robust defence strategies and inter-ministerial coordination led by a substantive Defence Minister.
Structural, not just preventive solutions are needed. While curfews and security zones may temporarily suppress tensions, they cannot provide lasting peace. A substantive Defence Minister would be better positioned to develop sustainable policies that address the root causes of insecurity while ensuring greater oversight of the Armed Forces.
This would also build public trust in civil-military relations.
The Council of State must therefore advise the President to act with urgency in appointing a replacement. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior should press for swift action. The Defence Ministry is too sensitive a sector to be left without substantive leadership for this long.
Ghana’s security threats are real and growing. The time to appoint a new Minister of Defence is now.
