President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as acting Defence Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Kofi Buah will temporarily oversee the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio to replace Omane Boamah and Murtala Mohammed respectively.
The appointments come a day after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of both substantive ministers.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed: “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 Arnah Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice.”
The reshuffle follows yesterday’s fatal crash of a Ghana Armed Forces Z9 helicopter near Adansi Akrofuom, which killed all eight passengers including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The aircraft had been en route to Obuasi for a mining development programme when it went down shortly after takeoff from Accra.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah had earlier described the incident as a “national tragedy”, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across the country. The bodies of all victims were transported to Accra yesterday and are currently at the 37 Military Hospital.
The temporary ministerial appointments ensure continuity in government operations as preparations begin for state funerals of the deceased officials. Both acting ministers are expected to assume their additional responsibilities immediately while maintaining their current portfolios.
The Presidency’s statement noted the appointments would remain in effect “until further notice”, with permanent replacements expected to be announced after the period of national mourning.
The nation is mourning the victims of the recent tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight high-ranking government officials and military personnel.
