Ghana has officially inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC), marking a major step in strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities and advancing national industrialisation.
The inauguration took place on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Jubilee House, shortly after the 44th Guard Changing Ceremony and a strategic meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and senior officials on intensifying efforts against illegal mining.
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who swore in the board members, described the occasion as a “milestone moment” for both national security and economic transformation.
In a Facebook post, Dr. Boamah expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the new board to build a robust institution capable of driving Ghana’s industrial goals and securing its long-term future.
He laid out an ambitious vision for DIHOC—to position Ghana as a center for defence manufacturing, innovation, and global strategic partnerships.
At the heart of this vision is the creation of a Defence Industrial Complex (DIC), which is expected to generate thousands of decent, high-quality jobs and boost Ghana’s industrial self-sufficiency.
The new board will play a central role in rolling out key initiatives that align with the government’s broader agenda, including the transition to a 24-hour economy and inclusive national development.
The board is chaired by Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi, and its members include:
- 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 reaffirmed its commitment to fully supporting the board as it works to transform DIHOC into a key pillar of Ghana’s defence and industrial infrastructure.
