Defence Ministry Denies Leadership Vacuum

The Ministry of Defence has firmly rejected claims from the Minority in Ghana’s Parliament suggesting that the country’s defence establishment is currently facing a leadership vacuum.

“There is no vacuum. There is a Minister responsible for the Defence Ministry and that Minister is Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson. As Deputy Minister, I am to assist the Minister in the performance of his functions as the constitution has mandated. So there is no vacuum at the Ministry. I understand our brothers in opposition. They are amazed as to how the president is able to perform with 58 ministers” Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi stated in an interview with Channel One TV.

He was reacting to calls from the NPP Minority urging President John Dramani Mahama to name a substantive Defence Minister after the death of former minister Edward Omane Boamah.

They argue that the sensitive nature of the defence portfolio requires a dedicated minister to oversee the sector.

Hon. Genfi further explained that, Cassiel Ato Forson, is handling responsibilities at the Defence Ministry perfectly while he supports in carrying out its duties, hence the Minority’s accession that, there is leadership crisis at the Ministry is of no basis.

In another development, Hon. Genfi, has revealed that, one of the Ghanaian soldiers seriously injured in the recent attack on a Ghanaian peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon has successfully undergone surgery after being evacuated to Beirut, while four others who sustained minor injuries are stable and recovering.

Providing an update on the condition of Ghanaian troops serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Deputy Minister indicated that the injured soldier suffered serious wounds to both legs and the hip but is now stable and recuperating following surgery performed on the morning of Saturday, March 7.

According to him, four additional soldiers who sustained minor injuries during the incident are also stable and responding well to treatment.

“Four soldiers who sustained minor injuries are stable and recovering well. One soldier, who suffered serious injuries to both legs and the hip, was successfully evacuated to Beirut where he underwent surgery this morning. He is stable and recuperating. Unfortunately, fifteen officers lost all personal effects due to a fire outbreak at their accommodation. Ghana has lodged a formal complaint at UN Headquarters, underscoring the responsibility of parties in conflict to respect the space and safety of peacekeepers operating within the theatre,” part of his explanation on his official