Defence Ministry gets substantive Minister, Ato Forson to focus on Finance

President John Dramani Mahama has carried out the first ministerial reshuffle of his second term in office, making key changes to his Cabinet, including the appointment of a substantive Minister for Defence following nearly a year of interim leadership at the ministry.

The reshuffle, announced on Thursday, August 7, 2026, was contained in a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

A major highlight of the reshuffle is the reassignment of Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, who previously served as Minister for Works and Housing, to the Ministry of Defence.

His appointment fills the vacancy created by the death of former Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who was among the eight people killed in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

The appointment also relieves Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson of his additional responsibilities as Acting Defence Minister, allowing him to focus fully on managing Ghana's economy and implementing the government's fiscal and economic policies.

Dr Ato Forson had been performing dual responsibilities since assuming the acting defence portfolio following the tragic helicopter crash.

As part of the reshuffle, Ahmed Ibrahim has been moved from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to become the new Minister-designate for Works, Housing and Water Resources.

He is expected to oversee government programmes relating to housing development, public infrastructure, water resource management and sanitation.

President Mahama has also nominated Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, subject to parliamentary approval.

If confirmed, Mahama Ayariga will be responsible for supervising local governance, decentralisation, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as matters relating to chieftaincy and religious affairs.

The President has further nominated Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister-designate for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.

Her nomination fills the vacancy left by the late Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who also died in the August 2025 military helicopter crash while on official duty.

If approved by Parliament, Dr Zanetor will oversee policies on environmental protection, climate change, scientific research and technological innovation.

The latest appointments mark the first ministerial reshuffle since President Mahama began his second term in office.

Political observers view the changes as an effort to strengthen government operations, restore full leadership to ministries affected by last year's national tragedy and reposition the administration to deliver on its policy agenda.

All ministerial nominees are expected to appear before Parliament's Appointments Committee for vetting before their appointments can be formally approved.