President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed speculation about filling two vacant ministerial positions, saying he will make the appointments after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Addressing the Ghana Muslim Mission who paid a courtesy call on him at the presidency on Tuesday, President Mahama said the Defence and Environment Minister positions left vacant by the deaths of two ministers will not be filled immediately.
“I can see people speculating. It’s going to appoint a new defence minister, a new environment minister. We’re not in a hurry. I’ll do those appointments next year after the holiday, the Christmas and the New Year,” the President said.
He told those speculating about imminent appointments to enjoy the festive season first.
“And so those speculating about somebody going to be appointed tomorrow and all that, I mean, just take your time. Go and enjoy Christmas. And then after Christmas, we will take a decision on those ones,” he stated.
The President revealed that his government is currently operating with 58 ministers instead of the promised 60, following the deaths of the two officials.
“We made a promise to appoint no more than 60 ministers. And some people said, how are you going to work with only 60 ministers? As I speak today, we’re working with 58 ministers because unfortunately, they say Allah gives and Allah takes. He took two of our comrades and we haven’t filled those positions yet,” he explained.
The President praised his government’s economic management despite inheriting difficult conditions, saying things are responding well “even beyond our own wildest imagination.”
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
