President John Dramani Mahama has announced that he will appoint replacements for the late Minister for Defence and the Minister for Environment, Technology and Innovation after the Christmas and New Year holidays, urging the public to disregard speculation about imminent appointments.

Speaking during a meeting with the Ghana Muslim Mission at the Presidency on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the President said his administration will not rush the process despite the vacancies created by the passing of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed.

President Mahama explained that maintaining discipline and focus has been instrumental in stabilising the economy after a difficult period.

“When we saw the economic numbers and all that, and the way things were haywire, we realised that we had really bitten quite a lot and we needed God to help us have the strength to manage it,” he said.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and fiscal discipline — all appointees have had to be disciplined.”

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to keeping the number of ministers below 60, a promise many doubted could be achieved.

“We made a promise not to appoint 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 because, unfortunately, Allah gives and Allah takes.

He took two of our comrades, and we haven’t filled those positions yet,” he noted.

Addressing rumours circulating about new appointments, President Mahama said there would be no hasty decisions.

“I can see people speculating — that I’m going to appoint a new Defence Minister or a new Environment Minister.

We’re not in a hurry,” the President said.

“I’ll do those appointments next year after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Those speculating about someone being appointed tomorrow should relax, go and enjoy Christmas.

After Christmas, we will take a decision on those ones.”