GoldBod’s $1.87bn September earnings: What is the ordinary Ghanaian getting? – Emily Nyarko

Youth and education advocate Emily Jemima Nyarko has challenged the government to demonstrate how Ghana’s growing gold revenues are translating into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

Her comments come after the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) reportedly generated US$1.871 billion in foreign exchange in September 2026, exceeding its monthly target of US$1.4 billion.

While the figure has been cited as an indication of progress in Ghana’s gold sector, Ms Nyarko said the focus should be on how the revenue is improving the lives of Ghanaians.

“Ghana’s gold is making billions, but are ordinary Ghanaians feeling the gold?” she asked in a social media post on Tuesday, October 6.

She said economic figures would have little meaning to citizens if they do not translate into jobs, reduced economic hardship, stronger businesses and improved access to essential services.

Ms Nyarko questioned why Ghanaians should celebrate billions generated from their natural resources when many families continue to face economic difficulties and young people remain concerned about employment opportunities.

“The government cannot simply tell Ghanaians that billions are being generated from gold. The government must also tell Ghanaians what those billions are doing for them,” she said.

She called for greater investment in local value addition, including gold refining, manufacturing, technology and logistics, to ensure more economic opportunities are created locally.

Ms Nyarko also said mining communities should receive meaningful benefits from the resources extracted from their lands.

She cited improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods as some of the areas that should reflect the value of Ghana’s mineral resources.