Defence Minister Inaugurates New DIHOC Board

The Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC), marking what he described as a “milestone moment” in the advancement of Ghana’s defense and industrial capacity.

In a short ceremony attended by high-ranking members of the Ghana Armed Forces, private sector representatives, development partners, and staff of the Ministry of Defence, the  Minister congratulated Board Chairman Mr.  Ernest Brogya Genfi and other newly appointed members on their appointment. He noted that the new board is being entrusted with a renewed mandate that aligns with President John Mahama’s 24-hour economy vision.

“This is not just another ceremony,” he remarked. “It is a call to duty—an obligation to uphold our national sovereignty through industrial competence, strategic foresight, and economic resilience.”

DIHOC, originally established under the late President John Evans Atta Mills and President Mahama’s administration, was envisioned as the industrial arm of the Ghana Armed Forces. The Minister emphasized that the company must now take on an even broader role—not just as a commercial entity, but as a vital component of Ghana’s national defense architecture.

The Defence Ministry, he said, is actively collaborating with a number of ministries and national agencies on several special initiatives. These include the Ministries of the Interior, Agriculture, Trade, Local Government, Lands and Natural Resources as well as national bodies like the National Youth Authority and the newly established 24-Hour Economy Secretariat.

DIHOC is expected to spearhead these partnerships to support both the operational needs of the military and the socio-economic development of Ghana. “From uniforms to ammunition, armored vehicles to surveillance drones, countries that build their own defense capacity are better placed to protect their sovereignty and influence global discourse,” he stated.

A key highlight of his address was the announcement of plans to establish a Defense Industrial Complex, anchored around DIHOC, to further Ghana’s industrialization agenda. The complex will be geared toward operational independence, emergency preparedness, peacekeeping logistics, technology transfer, job creation, and innovation.

The Minister charged the board to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and act in the best interest of DIHOC, reminding them of their fiduciary responsibilities. He urged members to be bold, prudent, and visionary in their stewardship, saying, “Let DIHOC be the example of what a state-owned enterprise can achieve when purpose meets competence.”

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting DIHOC and the new board, describing their task as a shared national responsibility. “The best way we can defend Ghana today is to build her industries, empower her people, create jobs, and secure her resources.”