Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior to fast-track the process of appointing a substantive Minister for Defence, emphasizing the need for stable and focused leadership in the wake of recent security concerns.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, after discussions on the tragic El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede, Mr. Bagbin commended Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who currently serves in an acting capacity, for his competence and dedication but noted that his multiple roles have placed an enormous burden on him.
“It’s not because the current acting minister is not capable,” he said. “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.”
The Speaker also proposed a reform of the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment process, recommending a continuous enlistment system instead of periodic mass intakes that often lead to overcrowding and tragic outcomes.
“What prevents this country from having a continuous recruitment process?” he questioned. “We don’t have to wait and do it once every year or two, creating backlogs that lead to rushed processes and unfortunate incidents.”
Mr. Bagbin directed the Defence and Interior Committee to engage with the ministry and submit recommendations to Parliament on improving the military’s recruitment procedures.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that six people lost their lives during the El-Wak recruitment exercise, urging the public to disregard unverified reports circulating about the incident.