The Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi, has inaugurated the Policy Formulation Committee for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Home Ownership Policy and Scheme at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.

The committee has been tasked with developing a comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable home ownership policy and scheme for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces. The proposed framework will subsequently be submitted to the Ministry’s Management, the Minister for Defence, and Cabinet for consideration.

Members of the committee are; Brigadier General Ben Gah (Chairman), Rev Dr Albert Okpoti Botchway, Mrs Alice Amekudzi, Mr Maxwell Lomotey, Mr. Prosper Hoetu, Mr Domonic Agyemang, Colonel John Asabre (Rtd), Mr Daniel A Ayindingo, Ms Abena Dankwa, Colonel Ernestina Assan, Commander Francis Ayitevi Nyarko, Colonel Joseph Kobla Buame, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Benjamin Incoom, Brigadier General CB Alhassan (Rtd), Madam Ernestina Otu, Mr Kojo Nutifafa Asare, and Mr Oliver Bio Esq.

Addressing the gathering, Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi expressed the Ministry’s appreciation to members of the committee for accepting the responsibility entrusted to them. He noted that the committee was carefully constituted based on the expertise and institutional knowledge of its members, adding that the quality of the committee’s output would reflect the seriousness and commitment with which they approach their assignment.

The Deputy Minister underscored the magnitude of the housing challenges confronting the Ghana Armed Forces, revealing that the military currently faces a housing deficit of approximately 14,000 units.

“Behind that figure are 14,000 families for whom the security of a home remains out of reach,” he stated.

According to him, the housing shortfall continues to place strain on family stability, affect personnel morale, and limit the Armed Forces’ ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel required for national defence.

Hon Brogya Genfi disclosed that the Ministry, through the Defence Industries Holding Company, has initiated plans to provide 10,000 housing units for military personnel within the next five years.

He further highlighted the absence of structured support systems to enable military personnel to acquire permanent homes before retirement. He observed that many officers and soldiers complete decades of dedicated service to the nation only to face uncertainty regarding accommodation and settlement after active service. It is against this backdrop, he explained, that the Ghana Armed Forces Home Ownership Policy and Scheme is being developed.

The Deputy Minister clarified that the initiative is not tied to any single construction project or housing programme, but is intended to serve as an independent and broad policy framework designed to support all Ghana Armed Forces personnel, regardless of rank or career stage, in achieving home ownership.

Hon Brogya Genfi noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, HE John Dramani Mahama, whom he described as a strong advocate for the welfare and dignity of military personnel.

He also commended the Military High Command for undertaking self-help housing projects aimed at replacing dilapidated colonial-era accommodation at Burma Camp.

In his response, the Chairman of the Committee and Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Ben Gah, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister for formally inaugurating the committee.

He described the committee’s mandate as both timely and significant, stressing that serving and retired personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces continue to serve the nation under difficult conditions and therefore deserve a well-structured, equitable, and sustainable framework to support their housing aspirations.

Brigadier General Ben Gah urged committee members to discharge their duties with commitment, openness, and a shared sense of purpose. He expressed confidence that through collaboration and dedication, the committee would develop a practical and implementable policy and scheme worthy of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Also present at the inauguration ceremony were; The Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Emmanuel Kartey and other staff members of the Ministry.