Following the tragic passing of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah in the fatal helicopter crash earlier this month, political and security circles are rife with speculation over who will be appointed as his successor.
Government insiders have hinted that President John Dramani Mahama is considering a shortlist of five seasoned public officials and politicians to fill the critical role at the Defence Ministry.
This comes just days after President Mahama on Thursday August 7, 2025 appointed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister.
While the Presidency has not officially confirmed the shortlist, sources within the Jubilee House suggest that the final decision could be announced within days.
Those reportedly under consideration are: Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Dr. Victor Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority; Prosper Bani, National Security Advisor to the President and Prof. Joshua Alabi, Board Chairman of GCB Bank PLC and Ghana Airports Company Limited.
Also mentioned in political discussions is Hon. James Agalga, Member of Parliament for Builsa North and ranking member on Defence and interior matters in Parliament.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s sudden death has left a vacuum in the Defence Ministry at a time when Ghana is intensifying regional security cooperation and dealing with growing threats along its northern borders.
