President John Dramani Mahama has appointed two senior ministers to serve in acting capacities following the tragic deaths of the substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
In a directive issued from the Presidency, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been assigned additional responsibilities as acting Minister for Defence.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, has been appointed as acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
These interim appointments follow a national tragedy that claimed the lives of the two ministers who were en route to an official event in Obuasi when their military helicopter crashed under undisclosed circumstances. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
In a statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire nation, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and governance continuity.
“These temporary appointments are to ensure there is no vacuum in critical areas of national security and environmental policy,” the statement said.
President Mahama assured the public that the appointees possess the requisite expertise and experience to manage their new responsibilities during this difficult period. The government reiterated its commitment to upholding the national interest while preparations are made for permanent replacements.
