By Lord Fiifi Quayle

Tv Democrat 

The halls of power in Accra are buzzing with chatter about a major cabinet overhaul expected from President Mahama’s office. This comes months after the tragic passing of Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, in a helicopter accident.

Though the President’s office has yet to make any formal announcement, all signs point towards a significant realignment of key roles. The goal appears to be shoring up stability within two of the government’s most vital sectors: finance and defence.

Ato Forson for the Defence Ministry?

According to insiders, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who currently steers the nation’s finances as Minister for Finance, is the leading candidate to take permanent charge of the Defence Ministry.

Dr. Forson stepped in as Acting Defence Minister following Dr. Boamah’s death. It’s understood that his disciplined handling of the country’s purse strings and his management of the tough fiscal reforms tied to the IMF programme have cemented the President’s confidence in him.

Those with knowledge of the discussions suggest that placing Forson at Defence would bring a much-needed focus on fiscal responsibility and strong management to the ministry. This is seen as increasingly critical, given the expanding scope of Ghana’s security operations both in the Sahel region and across its maritime territories.

Asiamah to Take the Financial Reins?

If Forson moves, the question becomes who will fill his shoes. The name circulating most prominently is Dr. Johnson P. Asiamah, the current Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

Since taking the helm at the central bank earlier this year, Dr. Asiamah has won praise for his steady hand. His policies of monetary tightening are credited with helping to stabilise the volatile cedi and bringing inflation down. Tapping him for the Finance Ministry would be a strategic play by the President, creating a unified economic team led by technocrats deeply familiar with Ghana’s debt recovery and financial stabilisation goals.

Such a move, however, would leave a major vacancy at the very top of the nation’s central bank, immediately sparking a new wave of speculation.

The Race for the Central Bank

Two figures are consistently mentioned in policy and banking circles as potential successors.

Isaac Adongo: The Political Insider

Isaac Adongo, the vocal MP for Bolgatanga Central and his party’s top member on the Finance Committee, is known for his sharp economic analysis and relentless pursuit of fiscal accountability.

His backers contend that his deep knowledge of public finance and his commitment to transparency would bring a new layer of discipline to the central bank. Skeptics, however, worry that his overt political ties could undermine the perceived independence of the Bank a serious concern for a country under an IMF programme and the watchful eye of international investors.

Alhassan Andani: The Seasoned Banker

The other name in the mix is Alhassan Andani, the highly respected former Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Ghana, who sits on numerous financial and development boards.

To his supporters, Andani is the ideal candidate, offering a blend of technical banking expertise and proven managerial skill. His leadership is seen as exactly what the Bank of Ghana needs to lock in the recent monetary stability and restore its financial credibility after a period of turbulence. Choosing him would be widely read as a return to technocratic leadership, a signal that would likely comfort both investors and international partners.

What’s at Stake

If these rumours turn out to be true, Ghana would be looking at one of its most significant cabinet reshuffles in recent memory. The deep connections between defence spending, national finance, and central banking mean that coordinating these appointments is essential for maintaining policy continuity and the confidence of the market.

Observers warn that despite some improvements in revenue, the country’s fiscal situation remains precarious. Any sign of instability at the top could easily spook the markets. The presidency therefore faces a delicate task: it must appoint the most capable hands while also carefully managing the political message these high-stakes changes will send.

The Waiting Game

For now, official sources are staying silent. The Office of the President has neither confirmed nor denied the swirling speculation. But the growing volume of discussions among MPs, party figures, and financial analysts suggests a formal announcement or at least a clarification may not be far off.

Whether these changes happen or not, the very fact they are being so widely discussed underscores a single, undeniable reality: Ghana’s government and economy are at a pivotal juncture, a moment that calls for both steady leadership and bold strategic vision.

THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR GHANA