Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called for the swift appointment of a substantive Defence Minister following the tragic stampede that occurred during the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
The incident, which claimed six lives and left dozens injured, has highlighted concerns about the recruitment process and safety measures within the Ghana Armed Forces.
Addressing the House on Wednesday, Bagbin emphasized that while Acting Defence Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is capable, the office requires a substantive leader to provide full reports and address pressing issues.
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“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,” he stated.
“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,” Bagbin explained.
The Speaker also urged consistency in oversight and reporting, warning against delays that could lead to administrative lapses and tragic outcomes.
“We don’t have to wait and do it once every year or sometimes two years, causing a backlog that leads to rushed processes and tragic outcomes,” he said.
Bagbin further encouraged Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee to engage stakeholders and present detailed findings to the House.
“With your support, the Committee on Defence and Interior should follow up on this matter. Later, you can schedule a date to present a full brief from the committee and the minister, as civil society is actively debating this issue, and many proposals have been put forward,” he added.