A substantive Minister for Defence will be appointed by President John Dramani Mahama in due course, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced.

Engaging the media on Monday, October 27, Kwakye Ofosu, shot down claims suggesting that President Mahama is being reluctant to replace the late Defence Minister due to the relationship he had with him.

He emphasized that President Mahama is working to ensure that the Defence Ministry has the best of leadership and policies.

He noted that “President Mahama fully understands his responsibilities and whereas he had a close relationship with the late Minister Omane Boamah, the president is pragmatic and professional enough to understand that life has gone on.

“Whatever needs to be done will be done to ensure that the Defence Ministry has the best of leadership and the policies that they implement contribute to the overall development of our country and ensure our safety and security. In due course, that announcement will be made.”

In July, President John Dramani Mahama directed the Finance Minister, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, to act as caretaker ministers for the Ministry of Defence and Environment, Science and Technology Ministers, respectively.

The order followed the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The other six individuals who are deceased include acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye,Squadron leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Mensah.

The Government of Ghana laid to rest six out of the eight victims after holding a state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15.

At the state burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love and peace they felt while living with the deceased. President John Mahama eulogised each of the victims, revealing their contributions and outstanding characteristics.

"Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence — a trusted friend, a man of sharp intellect and deep conviction. As Minister, he began bold reforms to modernize our Armed Forces, enhance their capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. His energy, clarity of vision, and patriotism were unmatched.

Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology — passionate, eloquent, and deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s environment while advancing scientific innovation. He believed the fight for our planet’s future was also the fight for Ghana’s future.

Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator — calm, discreet, and courageous. His work, much of it unseen, played a vital role in safeguarding the peace and stability of our Republic.

Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress — a man of humility and loyalty, respected by colleaguesand opponents alike. He was a tireless organizer and a faithful servant of our democracy.

Samuel Aboagye — a young and promising politician, who served as Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO with dedication and pride. He loved and cherished the opportunity to serve his country wholeheartedly.

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — The three gallantcrew members of the Ghana Armed Forces were disciplined, highly skilled airmen whose lives were defined by the military values ofhonour, courage, and commitment.

They were the silent guardians of our skies, ensuring the safety of every mission they undertook. Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana," the president said.

He announced the posthumous promotions of Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo, elevating them to their next ranks as a tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice.

Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest.

It was a solemn and heartwarming ceremony that saw families and friends, as well as mourners and representatives of international organisations from near and far, in attendance.

After the interfaith funeral service was held at the Black Star Square, the gathering proceeded to Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, where a burial ceremony took place.

Taking turns, the president, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the families of the deceased, Ghana Armed Forces, government officials, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other dignitaries laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, the Investigative Board tasked with probing the circumstances surrounding the August 6 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region is expected to submit its findings in the coming days.

According to Citi News, the preliminary report is currently under internal review. The committee was aided by aviation experts from China as well as other relevant institutions in decoding the black box.

In August the Ministry of Defence announced that it has officially begun a probe into the unfortunate incident, following the establishment of an investigative Board.

The Board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with membership drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Acting Defence Minister, Ato Forson.

"The Ministry of Defence hereby informs the public that the Investigation Board established to inquire into the recent Z-9 helicopter crash has formally commenced its work," parts of the statement read.

According to the Ministry, "the United States of America is providing advice and assistance to the board through visiting investigators from the U.S. Air Force".