Ghana names defence minister a year after predecessor's death

Ghanaian President John Mahama on Friday named Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as defence minister, nearly a year after the former minister died a helicopter crash.

The appointment comes as the west African nation navigates regional security concerns linked to instability in the Sahel, cross-border crime and maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

Adjei, 47, who had been the housing minister, returns to the defence sector after serving as deputy defence minister between 2015 and 2017 under Mahama's previous administration.

The former defence minister Edward Omane Boamah died in a military helicopter crash in August 2025.

Adjei's appointment was part of a cabinet reshuffle, which also included nominations for the environment, science and technology and local government portfolios.