Outgoing Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing him as Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness following the latest changes to the government.
Mr Genfi made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page after the Presidency announced his reassignment on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
President Mahama reassigned Mr Genfi from the Ministry of Defence to the Presidency with immediate effect. The move forms part of further changes to the administration announced by the President’s spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The reassignment brings to an end Mr Genfi’s tenure as Deputy Minister for Defence, a position he had held since his appointment in March 2025.
In his first public reaction to the move, Mr Genfi thanked President Mahama for the confidence placed in him, particularly for entrusting him with responsibilities at the Defence Ministry during a difficult period following the death of the substantive Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, in the military helicopter crash in August 2025.
“My deepest gratitude goes to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing me as Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness,” he wrote.
He said he was particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Defence Minister and subsequently “hold the fort” during the transition at the ministry.
“I am especially touched by the confidence he first reposed in me as Deputy Minister for Defence, and for entrusting me to hold the fort under the supervision of the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for a year following the painful helicopter crash which claimed the life of my Boss, Hon. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and seven other compatriots,” Mr Genfi stated.
The former Deputy Minister pledged his continued loyalty to President Mahama and promised to bring the same commitment to his new assignment.
“I assure the President of my unwavering loyalty and dedication in discharging my duties in this new capacity,” he said.
Genfi also expressed appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the Defence Ministry and the wider security establishment for their support throughout his tenure.
His acknowledgement included the Directors and staff of the Ministry of Defence, the Military High Command, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Council, Defence Industries Holding Company (DIHOC), and the Veterans Administration, Ghana.
The new appointment comes shortly after another major change at the Defence Ministry. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei was recently moved from the Works, Housing and Water Resources portfolio to become Defence Minister, following the death of Dr Omane Boamah.
Mr Genfi was involved in several policy and operational engagements during his tenure. In May 2026, for instance, he inaugurated a committee tasked with developing a comprehensive home ownership policy and scheme for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces. The committee was established against a reported military housing deficit of about 14,000 units.
He also played a role in the ministry’s engagement on the establishment of the proposed National Defence University and other strategic defence initiatives.
The new role places Mr Genfi at the Presidency, where he is expected to focus on issues relating to national resilience and emergency preparedness.
The latest changes also saw Labour, Employment and Job Creation Minister Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo reassigned as Minister of State for Special Initiatives, with Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum moving to the Labour Ministry.
