Military can support 24-hour economy through local production – Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang

Chairperson of the newly sworn-in Ghana Armed Forces Council, Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, says the military has the capacity to contribute to Ghana’s 24-hour economy by harnessing its technical skills and production capabilities.

Speaking at Jubilee House after being sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, March 24, 2025, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the Armed Forces, through its industrial and technical institutions, can help tackle economic pressures while fulfilling its security mandate.

“The military doesn’t lack talent or skill in any of our disciplines,” she stated. “We have the DIHOC that is, the Defence Industrial Holding Company and this requires private sector participation in food production, infrastructure development, and many other areas.”

She said the Council would explore ways to expand the Armed Forces’ involvement in manufacturing and industrial activity.

“It will not be too much to expect that in the manufacturing sector vehicle assembly, pharmaceutical production, whatever we see our Ghana Armed Forces participating, and participating effectively,” she said.

The 24-hour economy is a central policy of the Mahama administration, aimed at creating jobs and driving industrialisation by encouraging round-the-clock operations in selected sectors.

According to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, the military’s internal structures can support this vision, particularly through production and logistics.

She also drew attention to the financial challenges facing the security sector. “We are facing an economic crisis that’s what it is,” she said.

“The Ministry of Defence is saddled with a debt of GH¢3.7 billion, including GH¢275 million owed to food suppliers. We need to improve infrastructure, including housing. We have a huge deficit.”

Describing the swearing-in as a serious moment rather than a celebratory one, she said the security of the country must remain the Council’s central concern.

“This is a very, very solemn event more so than a celebratory one,” she said. “We are talking about the security of our country. It is not the appointment that we have fanfares about.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang pledged the Council’s full support for the President’s vision and stated that they would take their advisory role seriously, especially on matters of defence policy, personnel welfare, and long-term planning.

“As members of Council, we will rise to the responsibility and ensure that his confidence is not misplaced,” she said.

She ended her remarks with a call for broad national support for the evolving role of the military. “Security, as they say, is everybody’s business,” she added.