Felix Cofie
Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, has inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC), with a firm call to action: transform the company into a strategic driver of Ghana’s defence self-reliance, industrial development, and economic resilience.
Speaking at the official ceremony in Accra, Dr. Boamah described DIHOC as more than a commercial venture—it is, he said, “a sovereign instrument” within Ghana’s national defense architecture. Originally conceived under the leadership of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, DIHOC is now being repositioned to serve a broader national vision through innovation and inter-agency collaboration.
Dr. Boamah highlighted the importance of optimizing DIHOC’s potential, in line with a directive from former President John Dramani Mahama during his State of the Nation Address. He revealed that the Ministry is currently working closely with several ministries and national institutions to unlock DIHOC’s role in flagship government projects under Ghana’s reset agenda.
As part of that transformation, Dr. Boamah announced the planned establishment of a Defence Industrial Complex, anchored by DIHOC. The complex, mandated under the National Security Strategy (2020), will be central to Ghana’s long-term security and development objectives.
“The Defence Industrial Complex is not just about manufacturing. It is about achieving operational independence, improving emergency preparedness, enhancing peacekeeping capability, facilitating technology transfer, and creating jobs,” Dr. Boamah said.
He emphasized that Ghana must not remain a passive consumer in the global defense economy, particularly in an era of shifting threats and fragile international supply chains. “To stand still is to fall behind,” he cautioned.
Dr. Boamah reminded the newly appointed board members of their fiduciary duties, urging them to act with honesty, diligence, and independent judgment in service of DIHOC’s mission.
“You are to observe the utmost good faith in all transactions, preserve the company’s assets, and promote its purposes,” he stressed. “Be bold, but be prudent. Be fast, but be deliberate. Build systems that last beyond your tenure.”
He also advised the board to always act in accordance with the company’s constitution and the laws under which it was established, emphasizing that their decisions should prioritize both the company’s interests and those of its employees and stakeholders.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Boamah said the appointment of the new board was both “an honour and a heavy responsibility.” He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver real impact.
“Let DIHOC be the example of what a state-owned enterprise can achieve when purpose meets competence,” he said. “Let us move DIHOC from potential to productivity — from vision to visible outcomes.”
Dr. Boamah reiterated that national defense is a shared responsibility, not just the preserve of the Armed Forces. “The best way we can defend Ghana today is to build her industries, empower her people, and secure her resources.”
The inauguration signals a new chapter for DIHOC, which is now expected to be at the forefront of Ghana’s defence manufacturing, logistics, and strategic industrial innovation.
