President John Dramani Mahama has announced temporary ministerial reassignments following the untimely demise of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Murtala, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President directed the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to assume additional responsibility as Minister for Defence, effective immediately.
Similarly, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, has been appointed to serve as acting 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 added.
This swift move by the President is intended to ensure continuity in critical sectors of government as the nation comes to terms with the loss of two dedicated public servants.
President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7, and has suspended all official engagements for the remainder of the week.
National flags are to be flown at half-mast across the country until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.
