Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has defended the government’s delay in appointing a new Defence Minister since the passing of the former Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who tragically died in a military helicopter crash on August 6.

Five months after his passing, the President announced Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on December 29, during the inauguration of the Defence Ministry’s nine‑member Advisory Board in Accra, to take on the role temporarily until after the festivities, where a new person will be announced.

However, five months into 2026, a new Minister hasn’t been appointed.

Responding to these concerns about the status of the Ministry, during an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, May 18, Mr Kwakye-Fosu indicated that, eventhough the timeline given by the president has elapsed, the sector remains in safe hands and is running as it should with major boost underway due to the unprecedented vacancy.

He said, “But I think that by and large, we have held the fort, and the government has functioned effectively. There’s not been any lapses, as far as I know, in terms of Ghana’s defence architecture.”

After being reminded about the President’s delay in announcing a new Minister despite his promise to do so after the festivities, the Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP said the decision rests solely with the President.

“Any day that the president communicates to me that he has appointed a defence minister, I’ll make it known to you,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu argued that conditions within the sector were improving, citing ongoing military retooling and equipment acquisition efforts.

“Indeed, things appear to be improving on that front because they are acquiring additional firepower in terms of their equipment and retooling, and all that is going quite well,” he said.

On his part, the Finance Minister’s role in an acting capacity has now helped speed funding for procurement processes.

“Perhaps it helps that the man who has to bankroll (Dr Ato Forson) is also the one who is in the acting capacity at the Defence Ministry. So everything is on track,” he noted.

Pressed further on why the President had still not nominated anyone despite the unusual delay, Mr Kwakye Ofosu again defended the arrangement and dismissed concerns about instability at the ministry.

“So, what is the exact problem at the Defence Ministry?“I want to stress that the Defence Ministry continues to be in safe hands and it continues to be in experienced hands, and it is running smoothly,” he said.

He reiterated that the President would act when he considered it necessary.