From Deputy to Defense Boss: Gilbert Adjei returns to lead ministry where he once served number two

President John Dramani Mahama has named Adjei as substantive Minister for Defense, filling the seat left empty by the death of Dr Edward Omane Boamah and handing full charge of the ministry to a man who first entered it as a deputy under the same President.

Ahead of the announcement, some speculation had pointed to Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings as a possible pick for the security portfolio, but in Friday's nominations she was instead sent to the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, leaving the Defense job to Adjei.

Under Ghana's practice, a sitting minister reshuffled into another portfolio is not sent back before the Appointments Committee, so Adjei can be sworn into his new role without further parliamentary scrutiny.