Accra, Ghana (Running Africa) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as the country’s new Defense Minister, one year after a military helicopter crash killed his predecessor, Edward Omane Boamah, and seven others.

Adjei, who previously served as Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, has been reassigned to the defense portfolio as Ghana continues to strengthen its security posture amid growing concerns over militant activity across West Africa’s Sahel region.

The appointment brings an end to nearly a year of interim leadership at the Defense Ministry following one of Ghana’s deadliest recent military aviation disasters.

Kenneth Gilbert Adjei Returns to Defense Ministry

Adjei brings previous experience at the ministry, having served as Deputy Defense Minister from 2012 to 2017.

His return places him at the helm of Ghana’s defense establishment at a time of heightened regional security concerns, particularly along the country’s northern frontier.

Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson had served as acting defense minister since August 2025, following Boamah’s death.

Appointment Comes One Year After Deadly Helicopter Crash

Former Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah was among eight people killed when a military helicopter crashed in August 2025.

The crash also claimed the life of Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, three other government officials, and three members of the Ghana Air Force crew.

Ghana held a memorial service on Thursday to commemorate the victims, marking one year since the tragedy. Authorities also unveiled a cenotaph in Boamah’s honor, paying tribute to his public service and legacy.

Ghana Faces Growing Regional Security Concerns

Adjei assumes the defense portfolio as Ghana confronts an increasingly complex security environment across West Africa.

Militant groups operating across the Sahel, particularly in neighboring Burkina Faso and nearby Mali, have carried out repeated deadly attacks and expanded their operations toward coastal West African countries.

Ghana has so far avoided the scale of insurgent violence experienced by some of its northern neighbors, but authorities have increased efforts to strengthen border security and prevent extremist groups from expanding southward.

New Defense Minister Takes Office at Critical Time

Adjei’s previous experience at the Defense Ministry is expected to provide continuity as the government works to strengthen Ghana’s military readiness, border protection, and regional security cooperation.

His appointment also closes a difficult chapter for the ministry following the loss of Boamah and other senior government officials in the 2025 helicopter crash.

With instability across the Sahel continuing to pose risks to coastal West Africa, Ghana’s new defense leadership will face the challenge of protecting the country’s borders while strengthening its response to emerging regional security threats.