Newly appointed Minister of Defence Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has pledged to approach his new assignment with renewed energy and a deep sense of duty, following his move from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.In a message posted on X, the minister expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve the country in his previous portfolio.Mr Adjei described his tenure at the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry as a period of service, learning and collaboration, while commending the staff for their professionalism and commitment to the ministry’s mandate.A New Chapter of ServiceI am profoundly grateful to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in me and the opportunity to serve the people of Ghana as Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources.My time at the Ministry has been one of… pic.twitter.com/8VbBNexkMy— Kenneth Gilbert Adjei (@KenGilbertAdjei) August 7, 2026 “My time at the Ministry has been one of service, learning, collaboration and, above all, a commitment to delivering on the mandate entrusted to us,” he said on Friday, August 7.He added: “The progress and successes we achieved together would not have been possible without your commitment and sacrifice.”Mr Adjei, who has now been entrusted with responsibility for Ghana’s defence, said he was optimistic about the new assignment and ready to contribute to efforts to strengthen the country’s security.“As I take on my new responsibility at the Ministry of Defence, I do so with humility, renewed energy and a deep sense of duty. I am optimistic about the road ahead and look forward to contributing meaningfully to our collective efforts to build a stronger and more secure Ghana,” he stated.The new defence minister also thanked Ghanaians for their support, goodwill and prayers, saying their encouragement remained an important source of strength in public service.He called for collective effort as he begins his new role, urging stakeholders to remain focused on delivering results for the country.“The work continues. Let us keep our sleeves rolled up, remain focused and work even harder to deliver for Ghana. I call on all hands to be on deck as we embrace this new chapter of service together,” he said.Mr Adjei ended his message with a commitment to the country, declaring: “For Ghana. For Service. For Progress.”His appointment marks a return to the defence ministry for the minister, who previously served as deputy minister of defence between 2015 and 2017 under the first Mahama administration.He was appointed minister for works, housing and water resources in 2025 and had been involved in government programmes covering infrastructure, housing and water resources.The latest change, therefore, places Mr Adjei at the helm of a ministry with responsibility for a critical component of national security as he begins what he describes as a “new chapter of service”.