President Mahama Reassigns Defence and Environment Ministerial Portfolios Following Fatal Helicopter Crash That Killed Two Ministers
President John Dramani Mahama has moved swiftly to reassign critical ministerial portfolios following the deaths of two senior cabinet members in a military helicopter crash, a tragedy that has shaken Ghana’s political establishment and prompted a period of national mourning.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu on Thursday, August 7, the President directed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to assume additional responsibility as Minister for Defence. Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has been appointed to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
The changes follow the deaths of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, who were among eight persons killed when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in a forested area while en route to Obuasi on official duty.
The aircraft, which burst into flames upon impact, was carrying senior government and security officials scheduled to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
The full list of casualties includes:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Mr Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the deaths at a press briefing on Wednesday evening and announced that national flags would be flown at half-mast across the country to honour the victims.
The reassignments, while interim, are seen as critical to maintaining continuity in security and environmental governance portfolios as Ghana navigates a complex landscape of domestic and regional challenges. Analysts note that Dr Ato Forson’s expanded remit underscores the administration’s confidence in his capacity amid ongoing fiscal reforms and security concerns.
Political observers will also be watching how the tragedy and subsequent ministerial reshuffles affect the balance within President Mahama’s cabinet ahead of the 2026 general elections.
