After a national tragedy that shook the core of Ghana’s governance structure, President John Dramani Mahama has moved with speed to ensure stability and continuity in his government.
A day after the shocking demise of the substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology in a fatal helicopter crash en route to an official engagement in Obuasi, the President has appointed two senior cabinet members to act in their place.
Finance Minister Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been directed to take on the additional responsibility of Defence Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, will now also oversee the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, pending further notice.
This is crucial in sustaining national security, environmental protection, and technological innovation despite the tragic incident that has thrown the entire nation into a sombre mood.
The immediate and deliberate reassignment, analysts say, sends a powerful message to the nation and the international community that while Ghana mourns, it is still open to business.
“President John Dramani Mahama has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Defence Minister. The President has also asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice,” the short statement from the presidency announced.
It continued, “This follows the tragic demise of the substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology, in yesterday’s fatal helicopter crash on their way to an event in Obuasi.”
For now, Ghana’s governance architecture is still in shape, and even in mourning, it is moving forward to ensure stability and continuity.
