President John Dramani Mahama has appointed two acting ministers to oversee key portfolios following the tragic demise of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson will take on additional responsibility as Acting Minister for Defence, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah will temporarily oversee the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio.
The appointments come after a Ghana Armed Forces Z9 helicopter crashed near Adansi Akrofuom, killing all eight people on board, including the two cabinet ministers. The victims were en route to Obuasi for a mining development programme when the incident occurred.
President Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast across the country.
Government Operations
The temporary ministerial appointments aim to ensure continuity in government operations as preparations begin for the state funerals of the deceased officials.
Both acting ministers are expected to assume their additional responsibilities immediately, while continuing to manage their current portfolios.
