The Minister for Defence, Hon Dominic Nitiwul has stated that the inauguration of the new Defence Industries Holding Company (DIHOC) Board was timely as it would attract investors and partners in establishing more factories for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The Minister mentioned this, when he swore in a seven-member DIHOC Board at The Square to oversee the development of DIHOC. He said inaugurating the Board was a step in the right direction for the smooth operation and strategic positioning of DIHOC.  

Hon Nitiwul also stated that the inauguration was long overdue because it was an area his Ministry and GAF attached so much importance to. He therefore advised the Board to work in accordance with best management practices to ensure that the factories established under DIHOC generate sufficient profit.

Speaking further, he cautioned the Board to work diligently to achieve its short term mandate of carrying out commercial production of goods and services. DIHOC, he said, was established as a limited liability company in charge of development of industrial projects to be undertaken by GAF.

DIHOC would liaise with civil authority for the provision of employment opportunities for the youth in Ghana thereby contributing to the President’s vision of “Agenda for Jobs: creating prosperity and equal opportunity for all” the Minister said.

The Chairman of the Board, Major Derek Oduro (rtd) the Deputy Minister for Defence, assured the Minister that his team would work effectively for the purposes for which the Board was established.

He also stated that, it was high time the Military produced and owned their factories since the importation of military accoutrements was on the rise. Major Oduro noted that, most Military factories in other parts of the world flourished and GAF was not different from the rest. He said, “anytime the military engages in production, the companies are adjudged the best because they are disciplined, effective and efficient.” Other members of the Board are the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Evans A Dzikum, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen Obed B Akwa, Director General Defence Industries, Brig Gen JP Osei Wusu, then Director Legal Services, Brig Gen MK Gyeke Asante, Director, Veterans Affairs, Col Emmanuel T Darquah (rtd), and a Representative of Osprey International Accra, Mr Samuel Kwesi Anomah.