Ntim Fordjour slams Mahama for failing to appoint new Defence Minister
Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for what he calls a reckless delay in appointing a new Minister for Defence, warning that the ongoing vacancy endangers Ghana’s national security.
It has been almost three months since the death of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who previously headed the Defence Ministry, yet the President has not named a replacement.
Rev. Fordjour described the situation as “a dangerous gamble” that compromises Ghana’s territorial integrity and readiness to respond to threats.
“Nearly three months without a substantive Defence Minister is a dangerous gamble and reckless potential compromise of our territorial integrity,” the MP posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 25.
The criticism comes as Ghana faces growing security pressures in border areas such as Gbenyiri, Sampa, and Bawku, where instability and armed clashes continue. Illegal mining activities and cross-border crimes have further heightened national concerns.
Reports from the Ghana Refugee Board reveal that over 23,000 Ghanaians have recently fled to neighbouring countries due to rising insecurity.
Rev. Fordjour questioned President Mahama’s leadership and urged immediate action to fill the critical post, saying, “No serious country will run three months without a substantive Defence Minister.”
Security analysts warn that the prolonged absence of leadership at the Defence Ministry could slow operations, lower troop morale, and weaken Ghana’s ability to respond swiftly to regional threats, including potential extremist infiltration from the Sahel.
While the Presidency has yet to comment, civil society and opposition groups have joined the call for urgent action to restore confidence in the country’s defence apparatus.
Rev. Fordjour concluded by challenging the President to prove his commitment to national stability, asking pointedly whether “there is no suitable person in the NDC who can be trusted” to take up the role.
FULL WRITE-UP BELOW:
Nearly 3 months without a substantive Defence Minister is a dangerous gamble and reckless potential compromise of our territorial integrity.
What a dangerous inaction! At a time when the security of our country is on the path of rapid deterioration – Gbenyiri, Sampa, Bawku, Galamsey etc with over 23,000 citizens having fled to neighboring countries as refugees.
No serious country will run 3 months without a substantive Defence Minister. Is there no suitable person in NDC who can be trusted by President Mahama to fill the worthy shoes of my departed honorable friend Dr Omane Boamah?
What difficulty might the President be facing for which he has been hesitant in appointing a suitable replacement for the late Minister?
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.
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