No governance vacuum at Defence Ministry – Kwakye Ofosu dismisses claims

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed claims that the lack of a substantive Defence Minister has created a gap in Ghana’s security framework.

He noted that contrary to suggestions, ministers do not operate independently but rather implement policies set by the government under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, February 19, Kwakye Ofosu clarified that there is currently an acting minister responsible for defence who is fully capable of fulfilling all the necessary duties associated with the role.

“That another minister is acting as Defence Minister does not in any way prevent him from implementing those policies. There is no lacuna,” he emphasized.

Addressing concerns on recent security incidents, including the February 14 terrorist attack in Burkina Faso which claimed the lives of 8 Ghanaian traders, the Minister assured that government has taken all the necessary measures to ensure a “strong response.”

Kwakye Ofosu further explained that national security operations are well-coordinated and operational, dismissing claims that the absence of a permanent Defence Minister has compromised the country’s defence capabilities.

“I mean, that can’t be the cause of any lapses in our defence capabilities, if there are any so to say, they may be overlooking the fact that national security operations are well-coordinated and operational, and so the absence of a permanent Defence Minister alone cannot reduce our capacity to defend ourself as a nation,” he said.

The Minister also noted that President Mahama has expressed his intention to appoint a substantive Defence Minister at an appropriate time.

“The President has not indicated any difficulty whatsoever. He believes it ought to be done at the right time, and when that decision is made, it will be communicated,” he stated.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was appointed Acting Minister for defence following the military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, that claimed lives of 8 individuals including Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.