GoldBod Jewellery Clarifies Role in Women of Valour Following Social Media Backlash | Discuss Ghana

As of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, GoldBod Jewellery Limited, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has issued a formal statement denying that it provided direct financial sponsorship for the 2026 Women of Valour event held in London.

The clarification follows a weekend of intense social media criticism after the company was listed as a "partner" for the event, which took place on March 7 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

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The Nature of the Partnership

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on March 8, GoldBod Jewellery explained that its involvement was purely promotional rather than a cash injection:

Promotional Discounts: The company clarified that its "partner" status was based solely on offering promotional jewellery discounts to event participants as part of its Ghana Heritage Month and Valentine’s Month marketing campaigns.

No Direct Funding: The statement explicitly noted: "The company did not contribute funds toward the organisation of the event".

Marketing Strategy: Managing Director Gertrude Emefa Donkor emphasized that the goal was to market "made-in-Ghana" jewellery to the diaspora and international customers.

Why the Backlash?

The controversy touched on both political and economic nerves in Ghana:

State vs. Private: Netizens questioned why a state-linked institution would be associated with a private event held abroad at a high-end venue like the London Hilton, especially when many Ghanaians are facing economic hardships at home.

Political Friction: Some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressed anger, pointing out that the event's founder, Nana Aba Anamoah, had been a vocal critic of President John Mahama and the NDC when they were in opposition.

Accessibility: Critics argued that the "empowerment" program was not accessible to the general public, labeling it a "gathering for the elite" funded by national visibility.

Key Defenses and Support

Despite the backlash, the partnership found support from some public figures:

A Plus (MP for Gomoa Central): On Tuesday, March 10, Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) defended the company, calling the move a "strategic decision" to add value to Ghana’s gold and market it globally. He even urged GoldBod to be "bold" and sponsor the 2026 World Cup to further showcase Ghanaian products.

Brand Visibility: Other marketing experts argued that being visible in a room of "aspirational Ghanaian women in the diaspora" is a valid and efficient use of a consumer brand's marketing budget.

The "Women of Valour" event featured prominent figures including Nana Ama McBrown, Serwaa Amihere, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, highlighting its status as a high-profile platform for Ghanaian women's leadership.