Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged the swift appointment of a substantive defense minister to head the Ministry of Defense, citing increasing demands and responsibilities associated with the position.
Speaker Bagbin said Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Finance Minister), has demonstrated competence in the role as acting defense minister, but the ministry needs a permanent appointee to ensure effective oversight and accountability.
“It’s not because the current acting minister is not capable, but we know the pressures on him, and we need someone who can provide full reports and address some of the issues you’ve raised.”…I will direct our committee to follow up on the process and emphasize what others have said — to expedite the appointment of a substantive minister,” Bagbin said.
He made the remarks on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday during deliberations on the stampede that occurred at the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
Bagbin also expressed concern about the Armed Forces’ recruitment and enlistment process, questioning why it is not conducted continuously to prevent overcrowding and logistical challenges. He urged the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Interior to review the process and present a detailed report to the House.
“We don’t have to wait and do it once every year or sometimes every two years, causing a backlog that leads to rushed processes and tragic outcomes,” he said.
Reports from the recruitment exercise indicated that thousands of applicants from across the country turned up at various centers, leading to chaotic scenes, stampedes, and several injuries. In Accra and Kumasi, some applicants reportedly collapsed while trying to enter overcrowded venues.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the death toll from the El-Wak Stadium incident on Nov. 12 remains at six, and urged the public to disregard unverified reports circulating about the tragedy.