Ghana’s Defence & Environment Minister Vacancies: A Parliamentary Call to Action

Updated: February 3, 2026 | Source: Life Pulse Daily, parliamentary records, Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

The tragic loss of two senior Ghanaian cabinet ministers in a 2025 helicopter crash has created a prolonged governance gap. The parliamentary minority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is now applying significant pressure on President John Dramani Mahama to end the period of “acting” leadership and nominate permanent, substantive ministers for the critical portfolios of Defence and Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI). This situation raises vital questions about constitutional duty, national security continuity, and environmental policy stewardship.

Key Points at a Glance

• Core Demand: The Minority in Parliament is urging President Mahama to immediately nominate substantive ministers for the Ministries of Defence and Environment.
• Cause: The call follows the deaths of the former substantive ministers, Dominic Nitiwul (Defence) and Kwabena Frimpong (Environment), in a Z-9 helicopter crash in late 2025.
• Current Arrangement: Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is Acting Minister for Defence, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Armah Kofi Buah is Acting Minister for the Environment.
• Minority’s Argument: This dual role for the Finance Minister is described as insufficient and a potential strain on executive capacity, undermining effective governance.
• Investigation Status: The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB-Ghana) completed and released its full report on the crash in November 2025, approximately three months after the incident.
• Constitutional Context: Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides for presidential appointments but does not specify a strict timeframe for filling vacancies, creating a reliance on political convention and urgency.

Background: The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

The Fatal Helicopter Crash

In late 2025, a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter, on an official mission, crashed, resulting in the deaths of all on board. Among the seven fatalities were two pivotal members of President Mahama’s cabinet: the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong. This event represented an unprecedented loss of senior executive leadership in a single incident.

The Interim Governance Model

Following the tragedy, and in accordance with administrative practice, President Mahama tasked existing ministers with the additional responsibility of overseeing the vacant ministries on an acting basis. This is a common stopgap measure to ensure ministries continue basic operations. The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, was appointed Acting Minister of Defence. Concurrently, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, took on the additional role of Acting Minister for the Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

The AIB-Ghana Investigation Report

Per standard procedure, the state’s independent accident investigation body, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB-Ghana), launched a formal inquiry. Led by the National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul-Razak Osman, and a nine-member board, the investigation aimed to determine the probable cause of the crash. The comprehensive final report was officially released to the public in November 2025, three months after the incident. The report’s findings, while technical, are crucial for understanding the circumstances but do not directly dictate the political timeline for ministerial appointments.

Analysis: The Politics and Perils of “Acting” Ministers

Constitutional and Administrative Framework

Article 78(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution states that the President “shall, with the prior approval of Parliament, appoint Ministers of State.” The Constitution does not impose a specific deadline for filling a vacancy created by death or resignation. This gap leaves the duration of an acting appointment to presidential discretion and political pressure. While acting ministers have full executive authority within their assigned ministry, their tenure is inherently temporary and lacks the full mandate, stability, and political capital of a substantive, cabinet-confirmed minister.

National Security and Strategic Implications

The Ministry of Defence is not a routine portfolio. It oversees the Ghana Armed Forces, national security strategy, international defence partnerships, and the welfare of thousands of service personnel. An acting minister, already burdened with the immense responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance—managing the national budget, debt, and economic policy—may struggle to provide the dedicated, strategic focus required for modern defence challenges. These include regional security threats (particularly from the Sahel), maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and ongoing peacekeeping commitments. The Minority’s contention that “it is not sufficient” highlights a genuine risk of strategic drift and diluted oversight in a critical security domain.

Environmental Policy and International Commitments

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) plays a central role in climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and driving the national science and innovation agenda. Ghana has international obligations under agreements like the Paris Agreement. A part-time or divided leadership at MESTI could slow policy formulation, international negotiations, and the implementation of crucial environmental projects, impacting long-term sustainable development goals.

Political Dynamics and Public Perception

The Minority’s public pressure on the floor of Parliament is a calculated political act. It frames the issue as one of executive efficacy and respect for the legacy of the deceased ministers. For the Majority (the ruling party), the delay may be attributed to a desire for a thorough vetting process, finding the most suitable candidate, or navigating internal party politics. However, prolonged vacancies can be portrayed as administrative laziness or a lack of priority for these sectors, eroding public confidence. The timing, during the 9th session’s resumption, ensures the issue remains in the legislative and media spotlight.

Practical Advice: Navigating the Governance Gap

For Civil Society and the Media

• Maintain Scrutiny: Continuously report on the performance and decision-making of the acting ministers. Document any perceived slowdowns in policy or strategic initiatives.
• Frame the Debate: Move beyond “who” to “why.” Analyze the specific national security risks and environmental policy delays attributable to the lack of a permanent appointee.
• Demand Transparency: Advocate for the presidency to communicate a clear, public timeline for the nomination and vetting process, even if an exact date cannot be given.

For Members of Parliament (Especially the Minority)

• Leverage Oversight Tools: Use parliamentary questions, summons of the acting ministers to committees (e.g., Defence and Interior, Environment), and debates to extract detailed briefings on ministry operations under the current arrangement.
• Build a Record: Create a formal parliamentary record documenting the concerns raised, the responses (or lack thereof) from the executive, and the potential consequences. This builds a case for future accountability.
• Bipartisan Engagement: While applying pressure, engage majority colleagues to find common ground on the non-partisan need for stable leadership in these sectors.

For the Executive Branch

• Expedite Vetting: The vetting process by the Appointments Committee should be prioritized without compromising rigor. A swift, transparent process addresses the core concern.
• Clear Communication: The Presidency should issue a statement acknowledging the concerns, explaining the selection criteria, and providing a realistic timeframe for nominations to quell speculation.
• Empower Acting Ministers: If the interim period must extend, ensure the acting ministers have the clear, unambiguous authority and resources to act decisively, and publicly state their mandates are not limited by their temporary status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long can a minister serve in an acting capacity in Ghana?

There is no constitutionally mandated maximum period. The practice is governed by convention and the president’s discretion. However, prolonged periods (beyond 6-12 months) are widely viewed as undesirable and can attract political and public criticism for undermining good governance and accountability.

2. Does an acting minister have the same powers as a substantive minister?

Yes, in terms of executive authority within the ministry. An acting minister can issue directives, make decisions, and represent the ministry. The key difference is political legitimacy and the lack of a direct electoral mandate or full parliamentary approval for that specific portfolio. Their tenure is also more fragile and subject to immediate change by the appointing authority.

3. What is the standard process for appointing a new minister in Ghana?

The President selects a candidate and formally nominates them. The nominee then appears before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee for a vetting interview. If the committee recommends approval, the nomination is put to a vote on the floor of Parliament. A simple majority is required for approval. The President then swears in the minister. This process can take several weeks to months.

4. Could the President appoint someone from outside Parliament?

Yes. While a majority of ministers must be selected from among Members of Parliament, the President is permitted to appoint up to 19 ministers (including the Vice President) from outside Parliament. This allows for the appointment of technocrats, experts, or individuals from other sectors.

5. What are the real risks of not filling these positions?

For Defence: Potential for delayed procurement decisions, weakened strategic military planning, reduced bandwidth for international defence diplomacy, and a perception of vulnerability. For Environment: Slowed response to ecological emergencies, stalled climate finance projects, diminished influence in regional environmental bodies, and a lack of champion for long-term sustainability in cabinet discussions dominated by immediate economic concerns.

Conclusion: The Imperative for Permanent Leadership

The call by the parliamentary minority is not merely a political skirmish but a reflection of a fundamental governance principle: critical national security and environmental stewardship require dedicated, stable, and empowered leadership. While the acting arrangement provides necessary continuity, it is a temporary fix that cannot substitute for the full authority and accountability of a substantive minister. The AIB-Ghana’s report has answered the technical questions of the crash; the political and administrative question of permanent leadership now demands an answer. The nation’s security apparatus and its environmental future are too vital to be managed on a part-time, interim basis. President Mahama’s decision on nominations will be a defining act of his administration’s commitment to effective, resilient, and forward-looking governance. The window for maintaining the status quo is closing, and the expectation for decisive action is mounting across the political spectrum and the citizenry.

Sources and References

• Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992. (Article 78 – Appointment of Ministers).
• Parliamentary Hansard, Official Report of the Proceedings of the Parliament of Ghana. (Resumption of the 9th Session, February 3, 2026).
• Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB-Ghana). (November 2025). Final Report on the Accident to Ghana Air Force Z-9 Helicopter. [Note: Report title and date are based on the original article’s claim].
• Life Pulse Daily. (February 3, 2026). “Minority presses Mahama to nominate substantive Defence and Environment ministers.”
• News reports from Ghanaian media on the appointment of acting ministers following the 2025 helicopter crash (e.g., Graphic Online, Citi Newsroom, JoyNews archives).
• Ghana Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation official websites for organizational structure and ministerial history.