Mahama Says Defence and Environment Ministers Will Be Appointed in 2026

resident John Dramani Mahama has downplayed growing public pressure for the immediate appointment of substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology. According to him, those vacancies will be filled early in 2026.

The President made the clarification during a meeting with Muslim leaders at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 25. His comments come in the wake of recent public debate following the tragic deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Muhammed. Both were among eight individuals who died in a helicopter crash on August 6 while on a national assignment in the Ashanti Region.

Addressing the matter, President Mahama urged the public to avoid unnecessary speculation regarding possible replacements. “They say Allah gives and Allah takes. He took two of our comrades and we haven’t filled those positions yet,” he said.

He dismissed rumours suggesting that new ministerial announcements were imminent. “I can see people speculating he is going to appoint new Defence Minister, new Environment Minister. We are not in a hurry,” he noted.

Mahama assured that the government will make the necessary appointments after the Christmas holidays. “We will do those appointments next year. After the holiday… we will fill those positions,” he said.

He further encouraged the public to ignore claims that new ministers would be announced soon. “So those speculating about somebody going to be appointed tomorrow and all that, just take your time, go and enjoy Christmas and after Christmas, we will fill those ones,” he added.