Ato Forson hands over Defence Ministry to Gilbert Adjei after one year as Acting Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has formally handed over the Ministry of Defence to Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, ending his tenure as caretaker of the ministry.

President John Dramani Mahama appointed Dr Ato Forson to take charge of the Defence Ministry in August 2025 following the death of the substantive Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash.

Dr. Omane Boamah was among eight people who died when the military helicopter crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region.

Following the tragedy, Dr Ato Forson was tasked with overseeing the Defence Ministry while continuing in his substantive role as Finance Minister.

The latest transition follows President Mahama’s appointment of Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as the new Defence Minister.

Mr. Adjei is no stranger to the Defence Ministry, having previously served as Deputy Minister for Defence during President Mahama’s previous administration.

His return to the ministry now sees him take over the substantive leadership of the sector.

The formal handover was completed with the two ministers signing the relevant documents to mark the transfer of responsibility.

In a Facebook post following the ceremony, Dr. Ato Forson said, “I have just formally handed over the stewardship of the Ministry of Defence to Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei.”

Reflecting on his time as caretaker, the Finance Minister added, “I leave this Ministry with deep gratitude, a profound sense of honour and the satisfaction of duty fulfilled.”

Mr. Adjei will now oversee the administration, operations and policy direction of the Defence Ministry as the substantive minister.