Omanghana
Outgoing Deputy Minister for Defense Ernest Brogya Genfi has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama following his reassignment from the Ministry of Defense to the Presidency.
The Presidency announced on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, that Genfi had been appointed Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness.
Reacting publicly to the decision, Genfi thanked the President for the confidence placed in him and pledged to remain committed to the administration’s agenda.
Genfi Thanks Mahama for Opportunity to Serve
In a statement following the announcement, Genfi reflected on his service as Deputy Minister for Defence, a position he had occupied since March 2025.
He expressed appreciation to President Mahama for initially appointing him to the Defence Ministry and subsequently assigning him a new responsibility at the Jubilee House.
Genfi described both appointments as demonstrations of the President’s trust in his ability to contribute to government business.
“I assure the President of my unwavering loyalty and dedication in discharging my duties in this new capacity,” he stated.
Reflects on Difficult Defence Ministry Transition
The outgoing deputy minister also reflected on the difficult period that followed the helicopter crash that killed substantive Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and seven other people.
Following the tragedy, Genfi helped oversee affairs at the Defence Ministry alongside Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during the institutional transition.
He described the responsibility of helping to “hold the fort” during that period as a privilege, acknowledging the exceptional circumstances under which he was required to serve.
The transition involved maintaining administrative continuity and supporting the country’s defence institutions while the government prepared new leadership arrangements for the ministry.
Appreciation to Military Institutions
Genfi thanked the Military High Command and the Ghana Armed Forces for their cooperation during his tenure.
He also expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces Council, Defence Industries Holding Company, Veterans Administration Ghana and staff of the Ministry of Defence.
According to him, the support and collaboration of these institutions were instrumental in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He said his experience at the ministry had strengthened his appreciation for the professionalism, discipline and commitment of those serving within Ghana’s defence establishment.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei Takes Charge of Defence Ministry
Genfi’s reassignment follows the appointment of Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as the substantive Minister for Defence.
Adjei’s appointment and Genfi’s move to the Presidency complete the latest leadership transition within the defence sector.
The changes are intended to provide a clear administrative structure at the ministry following the death of Dr. Omane Boamah.
Genfi is expected to work closely with national security, emergency management and other public institutions in his new position.
Broader Changes Announced by Presidency
The Defence Ministry realignment forms part of a wider series of executive changes directed by President Mahama.
Former Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo has been reassigned as Minister of State for Special Initiatives.
The Member of Parliament for Nkoranza South, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, has also been nominated to lead the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Job Creation.
The nomination will be subject to the required parliamentary approval process.
The changes are expected to realign government personnel with new policy priorities and strengthen coordination across key sectors.
New Role Focuses on National Preparedness
As Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Genfi will coordinate policies and multi-agency frameworks aimed at improving Ghana’s capacity to anticipate and respond to national emergencies.
His responsibilities are expected to cover disaster preparedness, civil defence planning, institutional coordination and measures to strengthen the country’s resilience against security, environmental and humanitarian threats.
The position will require cooperation with institutions responsible for national security, disaster management, defence, health and essential infrastructure.
Genfi said he was prepared to apply the experience gained at the Defence Ministry to his new role and continue serving the government with loyalty and dedication.
Source: Omanghana
