Rev John Ntim Fordjour, the Assin South MP and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has slammed President John Mahama over his decision to appoint a Defence Minister in 2026.
According to Rev Ntim Fordjour, Mahama’s delay in his appointment of a new Defence Minister is reckless, dangerous and puts Ghana’s national security at risk.
Speaking on Joy FM on November 25, 2025, Ntim Fordjour said, “It is very unfortunate on the part of President Mahama. Deferring the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister indefinitely to 2026 is reckless, it is dangerous, and it puts national security at risk”.
“In the midst of the sub-regional geopolitics and the threats we face, and in the midst of the heightened insecurity we face currently, I don’t know what else the President is waiting for before he prioritises our security,” he stated.
His comments come on the heels of President John Dramani Mahama boldly telling Ghanaians speculating about him appointing a Defence, Environment Minister to go and enjoy the Christmas holiday.
According to John Mahama, he will appoint a Defence and Environment Minister next year after the Christmas holiday.
President Mahama, speaking during a meeting at the Jubilee House, stated, “They say Allah gives and Allah takes. He took two of our comrades, and we haven’t filled those positions yet. I can see people speculating that he is going to appoint a new Defence minister, a new Environment minister.
We are not in a hurry. We will do those appointments next year. After the holiday, the Christmas holiday, we will fill those positions,” he said.
“So those speculating about somebody going to be appointed tomorrow and all that, just take your time, go and enjoy Christmas and after Christmas we will fill those ones,” he added.
President Mahama’s remarks come following speculations on social media alleging that Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, is emerging as a top contender for the Defence Minister position.
According to reports, Zenator Agyemang-Rawlings is emerging as a strong favourite for the next Defence Minister, with many within the ruling National Democratic Congress and civil society pushing her nomination.
It has been alleged that her supporters argue that she brings integrity, discipline and a fresh strategic outlook, while insiders say discussions are intensifying ahead of an expected ministerial reshuffle.
It will be recalled that Dr Omane Boamah and seven others lost their lives in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
In the aftermath, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson was appointed to act as caretaker for the Defence Ministry.