Member of parliament for Walewale, Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, has expressed concern over the delay in appointing a new Minister for Defence, warning that the situation may project indecision at the highest level of government.
Speaking on the AM Show, the MP said the President must prioritise national security and the public interest above internal political considerations.
According to him, attempts by party power brokers to influence who fills the vacant role could be contributing to the delay.
“Either some party bigwigs are trying to torpedo the process or trying to determine who they want to fill the vacancy,” he said. “But whatever the president does, the cardinal interest should be the interest of the good people of Ghana.”
The conversation follows public criticism from the MP for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who accused President John Dramani Mahama of “irresponsible delay” in naming a substantive Defence Minister, nearly three months after the passing of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who previously held the role.
Hon. Mahama noted that while the President may be cautious to maintain party unity and avoid internal tensions, governance must not be stalled.
He stressed that the President’s constitutional duty is to the State, not to party factions or political figures.
“That is the oath you swore — to protect the interest of the people of Ghana, not the interest of the NDC or any power player anywhere,” he added.
Kabiru Tia Mahama, however, believes Parliament would readily approve the President’s nominee once presented, provided the individual meets the required qualifications.
He also warned that further delay could feed public perceptions of weak leadership.
“It doesn’t send a good signal of his readiness and capacity to make decisions,” he said.
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