President names 2 caretaker ministers: Ato Forson for Defence, Buah for Environment
President John Dramani Mahama has named two caretaker ministers to ensure continuity in governance following last Wednesday’s devastating helicopter crash in which the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, died.
The President tasked the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to assume additional responsibilities as Acting Defence Minister, while the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, will serve as the caretaker Minister of MEST, 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 in the Ashanti Region last Wednesday.
The delegation was travelling for the commissioning of a revised community mining scheme, the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, when the aircraft crashed, killing all on board.
Dr Forson is a chartered accountant, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and a finance expert.
The five-time Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam lawmaker brings on board administrative experience to the Defence portfolio during this transitional period.
Mr Buah is also a five-term Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and former Energy Minister whose expertise in resource management aligns with the Environment Ministry’s mandate.
The appointments were confirmed in a press release issued by Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who emphasised the government’s commitment to stability amid national mourning.
Investigation
President Mahama, after the tragedy, declared three days of national mourning last Wednesday, with flags flying at half-mast.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and allied agencies are investigating the crash.
The late ministers were key figures. Dr Boamah led regional security efforts amid the Sahel instability, while Dr Muhammed championed environmental reforms, together with Mr Buah.
National mourning
A statement issued yesterday and signed by Spokesperson to the President and Minister, Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the three days of national mourning which started yesterday would end on Saturday.
The solemn period is dedicated to honouring the departed and providing an opportunity for national reflection and remembrance.
The activities started with public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden in front of the Presidency, from 1 p.m. yesterday.
The opportunity for the laying of flowers and lighting of candles will continue today to allow citizens to express their condolences and respect.
The statement said the period of national mourning would conclude tomorrow, with an "Evening of Reflections and Memorials."
It added that the poignant event would begin at 5 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House, where all Ghanaians and families would gather to reflect on the legacy and contributions of the departed.
“These three days offer our nation a vital opportunity to collectively mourn and reflect on the profound loss we have experienced.
We urge all citizens to observe the period of national mourning with dignity and respect,” the statement added.
It said further details regarding the State Funeral and any additional arrangements would be communicated through official government channels.
