The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says President John Dramani Mahama is in no hurry to appoint a new Minister of Defence following the tragic passing of Dr Omane Boamah.

Dr Boamah and seven others lost their lives in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. In the aftermath, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson was appointed to act as caretaker for the Defence Ministry.

“President Mahama is not under any pressure to appoint a substantive minister at this point. What he is demonstrating is true leadership. There is already a capable Deputy Minister, my colleague Brogya Genfi, who supports the caretaker minister effectively,” Mr Kotoko said on Channel One TV on Monday, October 13.

He explained that the President’s cautious approach in naming a replacement reflects “measured and responsible leadership.”

Mr Kotoko also defended the size of the Mahama administration, noting that it remains lean and efficient compared to the previous Akufo-Addo government.

“President Mahama has operated with just 56 ministers for several months. Even with the recent additions bringing the number to 58, it’s still far more efficient than the 125 ministers under the previous administration,” he said.

He added that the President’s focus is on maintaining stability, prudence, and effective governance rather than bowing to public pressure for swift appointments.

Mr Kotoko stressed that this approach underscores the President’s commitment to fiscal discipline and quality governance over political expediency.