Mahama is not under pressure to appoint a new Defence Minister – Elikem 

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has said President John Dramani Mahama is taking a calm and deliberate approach in selecting a new Defence Minister after the passing of Dr. Omane Boamah.

The late Defence Minister and seven others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. Since then, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been acting as caretaker for the ministry.

“President Mahama is not under any pressure to appoint a substantive minister at this point. What he is demonstrating is true leadership. There is already a capable Deputy Minister, my colleague Brogya Genfi, who supports the caretaker minister effectively,” Mr. Kotoko said on Channel One TV on Monday, October 13.

According to him, the President’s patience in naming a replacement is a reflection of “measured and responsible leadership,” grounded in stability rather than haste.

Mr. Kotoko also dismissed criticisms about the size of the current administration, insisting it remains compact and efficient when compared to the previous government. “President Mahama has operated with just 56 ministers for several months. Even with the recent additions bringing the number to 58, it’s still far more efficient than the 125 ministers under the previous administration,” he noted.

He added that the President’s focus is on prudence and effective governance, not public pressure. “The President’s focus is on maintaining stability, prudence, and effective governance rather than bowing to public pressure for swift appointments,” he explained.

Mr. Kotoko said the current arrangement at the Defence Ministry remains functional and well-coordinated, demonstrating what he described as President Mahama’s “steady and composed leadership” during a difficult period for the nation.

Former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has urged President John Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

He said the most fitting tribute to the eight people who perished in last Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr. Aidoo said the victims, including two cabinet ministers, died in the line of duty while travelling to launch a government initiative aimed at tackling the menace of galamsey. He stressed that their sacrifice should not be in vain.

“In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey. So for God’s sake, Mr. President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can say to these patriotic deaths,” he said.

The fatal crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The three crew members who also died were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Dr. Aidoo revealed that his grief was heightened by his personal ties to three of the victims. “To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash — Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Sarpong, and Dr. Murtala Mohammed. The last time I spoke to Dr. Omane Boamah was about a month ago. Anytime I remember the departed, usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise nor to pay another apologetic tribute,” he added.