President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Minister for Defence and Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is expected to act as Environment, Science and Technology Minister.
This was announced in a press statement issued on Thursday, August 7, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President.
These appointments come in the wake of the tragic deaths of the substantive ministers for defence and environment, science and technology, who lost their lives in a fatal helicopter crash the previous day while travelling to an event in Obuasi.
The high-ranking officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi on a national assignment when the aircraft plunged into a forest and burst into flames, killing all occupants.
This move is aimed at ensuring continuity and stability in key sectors of national governance as the country mourns the loss of two distinguished public servants.
Flags are currently flying at half-mast nationwide, and a formal investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched by the Ghana Armed Forces and relevant state agencies.
President Mahama is expected to lead a state tribute to honour the deceased in the coming days as preparations for their official funerals commence.
