I’ll appoint Defence, Environment Ministers next year – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed public calls for the immediate appointment of substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology, saying those positions will be filled in 2026.

He made the comments during a meeting with Muslim leaders at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 25.

Referring to the recent deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Muhammed, the President urged the public to avoid speculation about replacements.

“They say Allah gives and Allah takes. He took two of our comrades and we haven’t filled those positions yet,” he said.

Mahama stressed that rumours about imminent appointments were unfounded. “I can see people speculating he is going to appoint new Defence minister, new Environment minister. We are not in a hurry,” he stated.

He assured that the government will make the necessary appointments early next year.

“We will do those appointments next year. After the holiday, the Christmas and the holiday, we will fill those positions,” he said.

The President further encouraged the public to disregard claims that new ministers would be announced soon.

“So those speculating about somebody going to be appointed tomorrow and all that, just take your time, go and enjoy Christmas and after Christmas we will fill those ones,” he added.

The two ministers were among eight people who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, this year while on their way to a national assignment in the Ashanti Region.