New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker has criticised President John Mahama for failing to appoint a substantive Defence Minister nearly three months after the death of Dr. Omane Boamah in a helicopter crash, describing the delay as “a dangerous gamble” amid worsening security concerns.
John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and a member of the Minority Caucus, said in a post on X that the absence of a Defence Minister was “a reckless potential compromise of our territorial integrity,” citing recent insecurity in Gbenyiri, Sampa, Bawku and illegal mining zones.
“No serious country will run three months without a substantive Defence Minister,” Fordjour wrote.
“We demand the immediate appointment of a substantive Minister for Defence to lead the spirited collective action to retool the Ghana Armed Forces and sustain the territorial integrity of our beloved country.”
The lawmaker referenced reports of over 23,000 Ghanaians fleeing to neighbouring countries due to security challenges, warning that the government’s inaction could undermine national stability.
Dr. Omane Boamah, who served as Minister for Defence, died in a helicopter crash in July, leaving the portfolio vacant.
The presidency has not commented on the reasons for the delay in appointing a replacement.
Ghana’s northern border regions have seen sporadic clashes and growing fears of extremist infiltration from the Sahel, prompting calls for stronger military coordination and border surveillance.
Source: asaaseradio.com
