The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged the government to expedite the appointment of a substantive Minister of Defence to enhance oversight, coordination, and reporting on urgent national security matters.
Addressing Parliament during deliberations on the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede tragedy, Mr Bagbin clarified that his call was not a reflection of mistrust in the acting Defence Minister but rather a matter of institutional necessity.
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He noted that a fully appointed Defence Minister would be better positioned to provide timely, detailed briefings to Parliament on critical security and operational issues.
The Speaker also directed the Defence and Interior Committee to closely monitor the ongoing investigations into the tragic recruitment stampede at El-Wak, which claimed six lives and left several others injured.
He emphasised that Parliament must play an active role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and reforms within the Armed Forces’ recruitment processes.
Mr Bagbin’s comments highlighted the importance of reinforcing leadership within the Defence Ministry, especially following the death of the substantive Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash at Obuasi.
He said timely leadership appointments were vital to sustaining public confidence in the country’s security administration and preventing lapses that could undermine national stability.
