Kenneth Adjei hands over Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry to Ahmed Ibrahim

Former Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has officially handed over the affairs of the ministry to his successor, Ahmed Ibrahim, following his reassignment to the Ministry of Defence by President John Dramani Mahama.

The transition was formalised at a brief handing-over ceremony held at the Ministry in Accra, where the outgoing and incoming ministers signed the official documents to mark the change of leadership.

Mr Adjei, who served as Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources from February 2025 to August 2026, urged Mr Ibrahim to build on the progress achieved during his tenure while introducing new ideas to accelerate development in the sector.

He said his time at the ministry was characterised by collaboration, public service and continuous learning, with particular attention to some of Ghana's longstanding infrastructure challenges.

Key areas of focus during his tenure included efforts to address the country's housing deficit, improve water supply, tackle flooding and revive stalled infrastructure projects, including the long-delayed Saglemi Housing Project.

Mr Adjei said the work accomplished so far should provide a foundation for the new minister to pursue further reforms and interventions.

The former minister also used the occasion to express his appreciation to management and staff of the ministry for their support and commitment during his tenure.

In an emotional farewell, Mr Adjei acknowledged that the progress recorded under his leadership was the result of collective effort rather than the work of one individual.

“I can’t thank you enough,” he told staff, while commending them for their professionalism, dedication and contribution to the ministry's work.

He encouraged the staff to extend the same commitment to his successor and continue working towards improving service delivery to Ghanaians.

Mr Adjei's reassignment forms part of President Mahama's cabinet reshuffle announced on August 7, 2026.

He is now expected to take charge of the Ministry of Defence, where he succeeds the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah.

The appointment also marks a return to an area of government responsibility with which Mr Adjei is familiar. He previously served as Deputy Minister for Defence from 2015 to 2017.

His new role comes at a time when national security, defence preparedness and the modernisation of Ghana's security architecture remain key priorities for the government.

Mr Ibrahim, who previously served as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has been reassigned to the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry as part of the reshuffle.

He inherits a ministry responsible for some of the government's major infrastructure priorities, including housing delivery, water supply, flood management and the completion of stalled projects.

His immediate task will be to consolidate ongoing programmes while identifying new interventions capable of addressing Ghana's infrastructure and housing challenges.

The formal handover marks the beginning of a new phase for the ministry under Mr Ibrahim, while Mr Adjei prepares to assume his responsibilities at the Defence Ministry.