The Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has dismissed as “false and malicious” reports alleging that military lands have been handed over to Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of President John Dramani Mahama, for development.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Mr Genfi rejected the claims outright, stating: “I wish to firmly dismiss and ignore any false and malicious reports suggesting that military lands have been given to the President’s brother to develop. That story is completely untrue.”
He explained that the project being referenced is a redevelopment initiative being undertaken by the Ghana Armed Forces to replace ageing infrastructure at Burma Camp in Accra. According to him, many of the existing facilities date back to the colonial era and have deteriorated significantly over time.
Mr Genfi clarified that the initiative is structured as a self-help housing project aimed at improving accommodation for military personnel, with financial support from private sector actors, including Mr Mahama. He noted that the businessman, who is Chief Executive of Dzata Group Holding Limited, had donated GH¢120 million towards the construction of 10 housing blocks, each comprising 16 units.
“In support of this noble initiative, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has generously donated GHC120 million as part of the replacement programme,” he said.
The Deputy Minister described the contribution as a patriotic gesture that would directly enhance the welfare of military personnel. “His contribution will directly improve the welfare of our gallant men and women in uniform, who sacrifice daily for the peace and security of our nation,” he added.
The funds were announced during a fundraising luncheon held at the Ghana Military Academy, chaired by renowned businessman Sam Jonah, and attended by corporate leaders and partners of the Armed Forces.
The redevelopment project, known as the Burma Camp Redevelopment Project, forms part of a broader effort by the Ghana Armed Forces to address longstanding accommodation challenges. The initiative seeks to transform the camp into a modern residential enclave with improved infrastructure and living conditions for service personnel and their families.
The first phase of the project is expected to deliver about 250 housing units at an estimated cost of GH¢190 million, with completion targeted within 13 months.
The Chief of Defence Staff, William Agyepong, has previously underscored the urgency of the intervention, noting that many soldiers currently live in outdated and inadequate barracks due to years of underinvestment and increasing operational demands.
Government has also pledged support for the project. The Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, speaking on behalf of the Defence Ministry, indicated that the state would fund 50 housing units as part of a wider plan to construct 2,000 units for the Armed Forces over the next five years.
The military high command has called on corporate Ghana and development partners to support the initiative, assuring stakeholders of transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh