President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will fill the vacant Defence and Environment ministerial positions early next year, after the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Speaking during a meeting with Muslim leaders at the Presidency on Tuesday, November 25, the President emphasised that his administration remains committed to maintaining fiscal discipline and keeping its ministerial team lean.
According to him, the pledge to operate with no more than 60 ministers has been strictly upheld.
“We made a promise to appoint no more than 60 ministers,” he said. “As I speak today, we’re working with 58 ministers because, unfortunately, Allah gives and Allah takes. He took two of our comrades. And we haven’t filled those positions yet.”
He noted that the passing of two ministers created vacancies in the Defence and Environment Ministries, sparking public speculation about imminent appointments. However, President Mahama stressed that his administration is not rushing the process.
“I can see people speculating he’s going to appoint a new Defence Minister, a new Environment Minister,” he remarked. “We’re not in a hurry. I’ll do those appointments next year, after the holiday, Christmas, and the New Year.”
The President urged the public to disregard rumours about immediate replacements and instead focus on the festive season.
“Those speculating about somebody going to be appointed tomorrow and all that, just take your time,” he advised. “Go and enjoy Christmas. And then after Christmas, we will decide on those.” He concluded
