The United Nations Peace Ambassador, Samuel Ben Owusu has urged John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive Defence Minister, stressing the importance of the role to national security.
His call comes nearly a year after the death of former Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah in a helicopter crash that killed six people. Since then, Cassiel Ato Forson has been serving in an acting capacity.
In a video, Bishop Owusu acknowledged the government’s efforts but maintained that the position should not remain unfilled.
“A nation without a Defence Minister will be an issue,” he said. “It is true they are managing affairs, but we should have one.”
He questioned the prolonged delay, adding, “Almost a year now, we haven’t had a Defence Minister. If it is not important, then why have a Ministry of Defence?”
He concluded that appointing a substantive minister is necessary for the proper functioning of the sector.
