In the wake of a devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two Cabinet ministers, President John Dramani Mahama has made key interim appointments to prevent disruptions in government business.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been named acting Minister of Defence, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah will temporarily take charge of the Environment, Science and Technology Ministry.
The presidential directive was confirmed by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who stated: “President John Dramani Mahama has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Defence Minister. The President has also asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice.”
The appointments follow a national tragedy on Tuesday, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z9 helicopter crashed near Adansi Akrofuom, killing all eight people on board. Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The aircraft had just departed Accra and was headed to Obuasi for a mining development programme when the incident occurred.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah earlier described the incident as a “national tragedy.” Flags across Ghana have been lowered to half-mast in honour of the victims. The remains of those who perished were transferred to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for preservation and identification.
In the interim, the temporary ministerial assignments will ensure operational continuity across affected departments. Both appointees are expected to immediately take up their expanded responsibilities while maintaining oversight of their original ministries.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are provisional and will remain in place “until further notice,” pending the conclusion of the national mourning period and subsequent appointment of permanent replacements.
Read the statement below.
