Government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu says President John Dramani Mahama has not appointed a substantive Defence Minister because the ministry is operating effectively without one, and the President sees no urgency in filling the role.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, the Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP said the absence of a dedicated minister has not compromised Ghana’s security in any way.
“There’s not been any lapses, as far as I know, in terms of Ghana’s defence architecture,” he said, adding that conditions in the sector are actually improving. He pointed to ongoing equipment acquisition and retooling as evidence that the ministry is on track.
Kwakye Ofosu also suggested that having the Finance Minister serve in an acting capacity at the Defence Ministry may be an advantage. “Perhaps it helps that the man who has to bankroll it is also the one who is in the acting capacity at the Defence Ministry. So everything is on track,” he said.
When pressed by host Evans Mensah on why no replacement had been named since the death of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Kwakye Ofosu was firm that the decision rests entirely with the President.
“It is the President’s prerogative to appoint ministers, and once he deems it necessary to do so at any moment, he will communicate it to me, and I will communicate it to you,” he said.
