Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for deferring the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister until 2026, describing the move as “reckless” and a threat to national security.

His comment follows the President's announcement that he is in no rush to appoint replacements for the late Defence and Environment Ministers.

The President has assured that both positions will be filled next year after the Christmas holidays.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Tuesday, November 25, the Assin South MP said the decision is dangerous at a time when Ghana faces heightened security threats on multiple fronts.

“It is very unfortunate on the part of President Mahama. Deferring the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister indefinitely to 2026 is reckless, it is dangerous, and it puts national security at risk,” he stated.

Mr Fordjour argued that the country is currently grappling with a complex mix of national security crises – including violent extremism, terrorism threats, and an increasingly sophisticated galamsey network armed with high-grade weapons.

He also cited the Gbenyiri conflict, which has displaced more than 48,000 people, including 23,000 who have become refugees—10,000 in Burkina Faso and 13,000 in Côte d’Ivoire.

According to him, these developments require strong, focused leadership at the Defence Ministry.

“In the midst of the sub-regional geopolitics and the threats we face, and in the midst of the heightened insecurity we face currently, I don’t know what else the President is waiting for before he prioritises our security,” he said.

The MP further noted that Ghana’s commitments under the Accra Initiative, which includes the implementation of a regional military strategy to build resilience against violent extremism, are currently challenged. This, he argues, makes the absence of a substantive Defence Minister even more worrying.

He warned that delays in appointing a full Defence Minister could compromise Ghana’s defence posture and overall national security strategy.

“We are looking at a key actor in our national security architecture and in our regional collective fight against security threats. To combine a ministry such as Defence with Finance under one person acting is really, really misconceived,” he stressed.