Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former government spokesperson on governance and security, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately appoint a substantive Defence Minister.
In an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline, Dr Boakye-Danquah argued that the delay in replacing the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah poses a significant threat to national security.
He acknowledged the tragic passing of the former minister but stressed the urgency of filling the position, given the current security climate in Ghana.
“I am urging President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive Defence Minister,” Dr Boakye-Danquah stated.
“The current chaos and insecurity are one too many. Since January 15, we have witnessed numerous violent incidents, including the Gbenyiri conflict, which resulted in the deaths of 34 people and displaced over 48,000, who are now refugees.”
He asserted that the present security situation represents a decline from the state of the nation when former President Akufo-Addo handed over power.
“Akufo-Addo left Mahama a secure country and a stable economy. The security of the country is not currently being managed well,” he remarked.
Dr Boakye-Danquah strongly believes that appointing a substantive minister would be instrumental in addressing the ongoing insecurity.
He described the decision to have Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson act as Defence Minister as an “unwise security decision,” arguing that Dr. Forson is already “overwhelmed with issues of the economy.”
He further urged the President to recall Parliament’s Appointments Committee to vet the new appointee without delay.
Dr Boakye-Danquah also offered an alternative suggestion, stating that the President could assume the role of Defence Minister himself, noting that such a precedent had been set before.
“I know he is out of the country for the UN General Assembly, but this is an equally important issue the President ought to address,” he concluded. “He must act immediately to ensure that we preserve the stability of the country.”
