A new Governing Board for the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC) has been officially inaugurated, representing a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to build a dynamic defence manufacturing sector and accelerate national industrialisation.
The inauguration took place on Monday, July 7, 2025, following the 44th Guard Changing Ceremony at the Jubilee House and a strategic meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and key officials on intensifying the fight against illegal mining.
Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who administered the oath, described it as a “milestone moment” for both national security and economic transformation.
“I’m excited to work with the Board to build a strong institution that will drive Ghana’s industrialisation agenda and secure our nation’s future,” Dr Omane Boamah said in a Facebook post.
Dr. Boamah outlined a bold vision for DIHOC—to position Ghana as a hub for defence manufacturing, technological innovation, and strategic global partnerships.
Central to this ambition is the establishment of a Defence Industrial Complex (DIC), expected to create thousands of decent, well-paying jobs while enhancing the country’s self-reliance and industrial capacity.
The newly inaugurated board will be at the forefront of this transformation, leading the rollout of key defence sector initiatives that align with Ghana’s broader push toward a 24-hour economy and inclusive growth.
The board is chaired by Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi. The full composition of the board includes:
Emmanuel A. Kartey, Chief Director, Ministry of Defence
Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff
Brig. Gen. Kwaku Dankwa Hagan
Brig. Gen. Charles Gbekle
Kojo Gyeke Darko
Vida Addae
Emmanuel Drah, Member of Parliament
Col. John Asabre (Rtd)
The government has pledged its full support to the board as it begins work to transform DIHOC into a cornerstone of Ghana’s industrial and defence infrastructure.
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