The case for appointing a substantive Defence Minister; President Mahama must see the urgency

The Ministry of Defence remains one of the most critical pillars of Ghana’s national security framework, with responsibility for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, managing external threats, and supporting socio-economic stability.

Its mandate extends beyond military operations to include disaster management, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping missions, and the promotion of strategic bilateral and multilateral partnerships that contribute to national development and regional security.

As Ghana faces evolving security challenges within the sub-region, concerns are growing over the continued absence of a substantive Defence Minister, with analysts warning that prolonged interim leadership could affect strategic direction, policy implementation, and national preparedness.

The role of a Defence Minister is widely regarded as central to the effective functioning of the armed forces and the broader national security system.

The minister is responsible for overseeing military operations, shaping defence policy, ensuring operational readiness, supervising defence budgets, and coordinating strategic alliances with international partners.

Security experts argue that effective leadership at the ministry is essential for protecting internal stability, deterring external threats, and ensuring Ghana’s continued contribution to international peacekeeping operations.

In the absence of strong and permanent leadership, analysts warn that the Ministry risks operational delays, weakened coordination, and reduced institutional confidence.

Despite the lack of a substantive minister, the acting leadership at the Ministry has been credited with maintaining operational continuity and discipline within the armed forces.

The acting minister has reportedly overseen defence projects, coordinated engagements with international partners, and sustained military readiness while advocating reforms aimed at improving efficiency and personnel morale.

Observers say these efforts have helped prevent major disruptions and ensured that core defence operations continue smoothly.

However, some analysts believe interim arrangements are insufficient for addressing Ghana’s long-term security and strategic defence needs.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the Ministry of Defence received an allocation of GHC10.77 billion from Ghana’s national budget of GHC357.1 billion.

The allocation represents approximately 3.2 percent of total government expenditure and marks a substantial increase from previous years.

Defence spending reportedly stood at 1.76 percent in 2024 and 1.9 percent in 2025, making the Ministry one of the country’s top budgetary priorities after education, health, and interior.

The nearly 69 percent increase is attributed to major procurement needs, including the acquisition of four helicopters, infrastructure expansion, personnel costs, and enhanced national security measures.

Analysts note that Ghana’s defence spending is broadly aligned with the African average of 3.5 percent, although still below the African Union’s recommended target of 2 percent of GDP.

While the increased budget allocation and ongoing operations suggest some level of institutional stability, concerns persist about the absence of a permanent and suitably qualified Defence Minister.

Critics argue that although the acting minister possesses a strong finance background, the Ministry requires leadership with specialised expertise in defence, security, and strategic affairs.

They further contend that the deputy minister’s military exposure, while valuable, may not provide the depth of academic and professional experience required for the complex security environment Ghana currently faces.

According to governance analysts, appointing a substantive minister would not only strengthen strategic leadership but also signal decisiveness, competence, and confidence in the management of national security.

The call for stronger defence leadership comes amid rising security concerns across the West African sub-region.

Regional instability, terrorism threats, cross-border criminal activity, kidnappings, armed robberies, and attacks on civilians continue to place pressure on Ghana’s security architecture.

Recent incidents involving attacks on traders in Burkina Faso and fishermen in Ewutu have heightened fears over regional insecurity and its potential spillover effects on Ghana.

Security analysts say these developments demand stronger intelligence coordination, proactive defence planning, and rapid policy implementation.

Observers have also pointed to the absence of an updated national defence strategy as a major concern.

Ghana’s most recent defence policy framework dates back to 2021, raising questions about whether current security planning adequately reflects emerging geopolitical and regional threats.

Experts believe the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister would accelerate the development of a new strategic framework capable of addressing evolving security realities.

They argue that prolonged leadership uncertainty may affect military morale, institutional discipline, public confidence, and overall national security coordination.

While the acting minister and President John Dramani Mahama have been commended for maintaining continuity within the Ministry, analysts caution against prolonged reliance on interim arrangements.

They warn that delays in appointing a substantive minister could create governance vulnerabilities, slow policy implementation, and undermine long-term defence planning.

According to experts, immediate action is required to strengthen Ghana’s security architecture, reinforce institutional leadership, and ensure the country remains adequately prepared to confront current and emerging security challenges.

The analysis was authored by Dr Paa Kwesi Eduaful Abaidoo, an Environmental and Social Governance expert and lecturer.