Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has appointed acting ministers to fill key cabinet positions left vacant after a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of the country’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
In a statement released by the Presidency Communications Directorate, President Mahama directed the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Forson, to assume additional responsibility as Acting Defence Minister.
Similarly, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Buah, has been asked to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology “until further notice.”
“This follows the tragic demise of the substantive Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology, in yesterday’s fatal helicopter crash on their way to an event in Obuasi,” the statement read.
The announcement, signed by Felix Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, markers the government’s first formal response since the crash that rocked the nation.
“President John Mahama has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Defence Minister.
“The President has also asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice, ” the statement said.
The crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, while the officials were en route to an event in Obuasi, a major gold mining town in the Ashanti Region.
President Mahama described the incident as a national tragedy and immediately suspended official activities upon receiving the news.
The President has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country.
A state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square to honor the victims ³ ⁴.
The Ghana Armed Forces will conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the helicopter crash.
A task force has been set up to investigate the incident and determine its cause.
