Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi has dismissed criticisms over the absence of a substantive Defence Minister, insisting that operations at the ministry remain fully functional.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Brogya Genfi stressed that the appointment of ministers is the constitutional prerogative of the president and should not be rushed.

According to him, the country’s security architecture remains intact.

“Appointing ministers is a constitutional duty of the president, and this decision does not rest with anyone else. It is unclear how the attack on the fishing vessel is connected to the absence of a defence minister. Many countries have presidents who also serve as their defence ministers; for instance, Kwame Nkrumah once held that position. In our security framework, the president is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. The deputy minister is expected to assist the minister in fulfilling his constitutional duties,” he said.

Mr. Brogya Genfi also rejected suggestions that recent security incidents, including attacks on fishing vessels, were linked to the absence of a substantive minister.

He maintained that the ministry continues to function effectively and urged the public to allow the president to decide when to make the appointment.

“Therefore, I do not understand the current calls to appoint a defence minister, especially since we already have an acting defence minister, a deputy minister, and a high command within national security that are all functioning effectively. The focus should be on performance and deliverables rather than personalising this issue based on who holds the ministerial position. Is there any security crisis that we have been unable to address due to the lack of a defence minister? Let us allow the president to make this decision,” he added.