Ato Forson, Kofi Buah replace Omane Boamah and Murtala as acting Defence and Environment ministers following tragic helicopter crash
In the wake of Wednesday’s devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, President John Dramani Mahama has announced interim ministerial appointments to ensure continuity in governance.
The President has tasked the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to assume additional responsibilities as Acting Defence Minister.
Simultaneously, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, will serve as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice.
The decision comes after a Ghana Air Force Z-9EH helicopter carrying the two ministers and six others crashed in the Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.
The delegation was en route to an event on illegal mining in Obuasi when the aircraft lost contact and subsequently crashed, killing all on board.
Profile of the appointees
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson: A seasoned economist and current Finance Minister, Dr Forson brings administrative experience to the Defence portfolio during this transitional period.
- Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah: A five-term MP for Ellembelle and former Energy Minister, Buah’s expertise in resource management aligns with the Environment Ministry’s mandate.
The appointments were confirmed in a press release issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP and Spokesperson to the President, who emphasised the government’s commitment to stability amid national mourning.
National mourning and investigation
President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast. The Ghana Armed Forces and allied agencies are investigating the crash, with preliminary reports indicating that adverse weather or technical failure may have been the potential causes.
The late ministers were pivotal figures: Dr Boamah led regional security efforts amid Sahel instability, while Dr Muhammed championed environmental reforms. Their remains were airlifted to Accra on Wednesday night.
