Palgrave Warns Mahama’s Delay in Naming Defence Minister Puts Security at Risk

Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to immediately appoint a Minister of Defence, cautioning that the delay is undermining national security.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, September 22, 2025, Dr. Boakye-Danquah cited recent violent incidents as evidence of a growing breakdown in law and order.

“There have been pockets of clashes everywhere. These clashes will not end because the solutions have not been implemented. On September 10 in Sampa in Bono, people died; at Tamale Technical, some people died; and just yesterday in Kukurantumi. Where next? We are not safe in this country. From the intelligence I continue to receive across all parts of the nation, I don’t think the President is fully in charge—he is almost losing grip of the security situation,” he warned.

He stressed that the absence of a Defence Minister has worsened the situation, with the police appearing overstretched.

“He must immediately appoint a Defence Minister, have that nominee vetted by Parliament, and restore a clear security command structure. The Police seem overwhelmed by the current situation,” he added.

His remarks follow violent clashes in Kukurantumi between residents and police after a suspect, identified as Bright, died in custody. The youth accused police officers of assaulting him following his arrest during a swoop for substances suspected to be Indian hemp.