Mahama appoints Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as substantive Defence Minister

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as Minister for Defence, moving him from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources in a ministerial reshuffle announced on Friday, August 7.

The appointment comes a year after the military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of then Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and several other government officials.

Following the tragedy, President Mahama tasked Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson with overseeing the Defence Ministry in an acting capacity while government worked to fill the substantive position.

In a statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency announced that Mr. Adjei has now been assigned to lead the Defence Ministry.

The appointment forms part of a broader reshuffle that also saw Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings nominated as Minister-designate for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Mahama Ayariga nominated as Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Ahmed Ibrahim moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

Mr. Adjei’s appointment is expected to provide permanent leadership at the Defence Ministry after nearly a year under acting supervision following the death of Dr. Omane Boamah.