Ghana poised to become a defence manufacturing and innovation bub – Defence Minister declares as DIHOC board is inaugurated

 

The Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to transforming the country into a hub for defence manufacturing, innovation and strategic partnerships  in the sub -region.

The Minister explained that, this ambition would be realised through the establishment of a Defence Industrial Complex (DIC) under the auspices of Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC).

It will lead to massive job creation and boost the economy.

Speaking during the inauguration of a new Governing Board for DIHOC, Dr. Omane Boamah said the initiative forms part of President John Mahama led- government’s broader agenda to industrialize the economy, create decent,well-paying jobs, and strengthen the nation’s security infrastructure.

“Our vision for DIHOC is clear: to make Ghana a hub for defense manufacturing, innovation, and strategic partnerships. We’ll achieve this through the establishment of a Defence Industrial Complex (DIC), creating decent and well-paying jobs and boosting our economy” said Dr. Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence.

He further noted that the Defence Ministry’s industrial drive will align with government’s flagship policy 24-hour economy to maximize more job opportunities.

“As we pursue this noble vision, we’re also transforming Ghana into a 24-hour economy, where businesses thrive around the clock. This will further boost productivity and create new and additional job opportunities”

The new Board is chaired by Deputy Defence Minister Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, with membership comprising:Emmanuel A. Kartey (Chief Director, Ministry of Defence), Lt. General William Agyapong (Chief of Defence Staff), Brigadier General  Kwaku Dankwa Hagan, Brigadier General  Charles Gbekle (Esq.), Mr. Kojo Gyeke Darko, Vida Addae, Emmanuel Drah (MP), and Col. John Asabre (Rtd).

The newly inaugurated board is expected to spearhead the development of the Defence Industrial Complex and oversee the operations of multiple joint venture companies established under DIHOC.

Dr. Omane Boamah pledged full government support to the new Board, expressing confidence in their ability to steer DIHOC towards achieving its strategic objectives.

Defence Industrial Complex to Boost Economy

The establishment of DIHOC and its subsidiary projects forms part of a Civil-Military Collaboration for Socio-Economic Development (CIMICSED) strategy launched by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Military High Command.

In 2022, twelve joint venture companies were inaugurated under DIHOC to lay the groundwork for the Defence Industrial Complex. These companies span multiple sectors, including:

DIHOC-Black Swan International Ltd: Small calibre ammunition manufacturing

Defence Electronics Technology Ltd: Assembling of computers, tablets, phones, prepaid meters, and electronic POS devices

DIHOC-Kenaki Manufacturing Ltd (DIKMAC): Assembly of armoured vehicles and bullion vans

DIHOC-Primesec Ghana Ltd: Infrastructure construction

DIHOC-McDan Logistics Solutions Ltd: Logistics hub and amusement park development

DIHOC-Careworld Ghana Ltd: A 1,500-bed hospital, pharmaceutical company, health farms, and veterans village

DIHOC-Radi Ghana Ltd: Beachfront district development

DIHOC-Hawkrad Ltd: Commercial mixed-use complex

360 Defence Builders Ghana Ltd: Infrastructure projects

DIHOC Energy West Ghana Ltd: Oil and gas service stations

DIHOC-Denzel Ghana Ltd: Dredging of river bodies (Restoring Ghana Project)

DIHOC FCC Ghana Ltd: Construction of the Accra Economic Smart City

These ventures were expected to create thousands of jobs, bolster industrialization, and strengthen Ghana’s defence infrastructure while contributing significantly to national economic growth.

 

Source: Ghana | www.kumasimail.com| Obed Ansah

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