Ghana Finally Gets A Leader With Common Sense

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has praised the government’s decision to refine Ghana’s gold locally, describing it as a bold move that reflects visionary leadership and a departure from years of exporting the country’s mineral resources in their raw state.

In what appeared to be a subtle jab at previous administrations, the first-time lawmaker said Ghana has finally found leadership with the “common sense and courage” to pursue value addition in line with best practices in resource-rich countries.

According to him, the decision by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to partner the private sector to refine gold domestically marks a significant step toward sustainable economic growth.

Writing on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Mr. Obeng said Ghana is moving forward “this time in the right direction,” attributing the progress to the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.

“Ghana has finally found a leader with the common sense and courage to do what resource-rich nations are supposed to do — add value at home.

This is how a resource-rich nation builds lasting prosperity. It reflects the visionary leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama. Leadership that understands that exporting raw materials is a shortcut to poverty, while value addition is the road to prosperity,” he wrote.

Mr. Obeng also commended the management of GoldBod for its agreement with Gold Coast Refinery Limited to refine one tonne (1,000 kilogrammes) of gold each week in Ghana.

“I commend GoldBod for this bold and forward-looking partnership with Gold Coast Refinery to process and refine our gold right here in Ghana,” he stated.

He outlined several anticipated benefits of the agreement, including job creation, increased national revenue, retention of refining fees within the local economy, support for local jewelers and fabricators, enhanced credibility of Ghana’s gold, and improved foreign exchange inflows.

“Jobs will be created. Value will be added to our raw gold. Millions of dollars in refining fees will be retained locally. Local jewelers and fabricators will be supported. The credibility and integrity of Ghana’s gold will be strengthened. Forex inflows and national revenue will grow,” he added.

Describing the initiative as practical rather than theoretical, the MP said the agreement represents real economic thinking.

“This is not elephant theory economics. ‘A is for Apple, B is for Boy.’ This is practical. Well done, GoldBod. Well done, Mr. President. Ghana is moving forward, and this time, we are moving in the right direction,” he stated.

Under the agreement, Gold Coast Refinery will process gold doré supplied by GoldBod into refined bullion before export, marking a significant shift from the long-standing practice of exporting raw gold.

Until now, the bulk of Ghana’s gold has been exported in its unrefined state, despite the presence of a functional gold refinery in the country.

The agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, on behalf of the board, while the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gold Coast Refinery, Dr. Said Deraz, signed for the refinery.