The involvement of GoldBod Jewellery Limited in the 2026 “Women of Valour” event organised by celebrated Ghanaian broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah has triggered political controversy and internal debate among supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), prompting the company to publicly clarify that it did not financially sponsor the programme.
The initiative, held in London, is a flagship empowerment project led by Nana Aba Anamoah aimed at celebrating and sharing the stories of courageous and inspiring women.
The programme, which has grown into an international platform highlighting female leadership and resilience, attracted attention this year after GoldBod Jewellery appeared among the event’s listed partners.
However, the company’s perceived association with the event quickly became a flashpoint within political circles, particularly among grassroots supporters of the NDC who questioned why a state-linked entity would support a project led by a media personality they believe has been critical of the current administration.
Company Clarifies Role
In response to the growing controversy, GoldBod Jewellery’s Managing Director, Gertrude Emefa Donkor, issued a statement clarifying that the company did not provide any financial support for the organisation of the event.
According to the statement, GoldBod’s involvement was limited to offering promotional discounts on jewellery purchases to participants as part of the company’s ongoing Ghana Heritage Month campaign.
The company explained that similar promotional activities are routinely organised during special occasions such as Valentine’s Month and other national observances. GoldBod stressed that its participation in the programme was purely promotional and not a financial sponsorship.
“At GoldBod Jewellery, we focus on manufacturing and retailing timeless pieces of made-in-Ghana jewellery for our valued customers in Ghana and abroad,” the statement noted, adding that the promotion was intended to highlight locally produced jewellery and support Ghanaian craftsmanship.
Political Frustration Among Grassroots
Despite the clarification, the issue has continued to generate heated debate within sections of the NDC’s grassroots base.
Some party supporters argue that resources or visibility associated with institutions perceived to have government links should prioritise party loyalists and grassroots actors rather than high-profile media personalities.
Their frustration reflects broader tensions about patronage and access to opportunities under the current political climate.
Critics have also pointed to the leadership of GoldBod Jewellery itself as part of the controversy. The appointment of Gertrude Emefa Donkor as Managing Director had earlier attracted public attention after discussions about her political affiliations surfaced during media appearances.
For some party supporters, this background has intensified suspicions about the company’s motives and raised questions about how state-linked organisations engage with public figures.
Wider Financial Debate Around GoldBod
The controversy also comes against the backdrop of ongoing political disputes surrounding GoldBod’s financial position.
Members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have previously raised concerns about the company’s finances, alleging that the entity suffered losses estimated at about $214 million and pointing to a controversial GH¢2 billion guarantee linked to its operations.
NDC communicators have strongly rejected those claims, describing them as misleading and politically motivated. Nonetheless, the allegations have added another layer of scrutiny to the company’s activities and partnerships.
Critics Challenge Company’s Explanation
Even after the official clarification, some commentators have rejected GoldBod’s explanation that its involvement was limited to discount offers.
Political commentator P. K. Sarpong criticised the statement, arguing that the explanation appeared inconsistent and raised further questions about the nature of the company’s partnership with the event.
In his response, Sarpong questioned whether all participants at the London event had purchased jewellery to benefit from the alleged discount, describing the company’s justification as implausible.
He also argued that GoldBod, as an entity that ultimately serves all Ghanaians, should not appear apologetic for associating with a programme that celebrates women.
Supporters Defend Initiative
Supporters of the Women of Valour initiative have meanwhile defended the partnership, insisting that the programme is a private empowerment project and should not be politicised.
They argue that collaborations with brands or companies are common in event promotion and marketing and that the focus should remain on the initiative’s goal of highlighting inspiring women and promoting female leadership.
For them, the controversy reflects deeper political sensitivities rather than any wrongdoing connected to the event itself.
A Programme Caught In Political Crossfire
What began as a platform to celebrate women’s courage and achievements has now found itself at the centre of a broader political conversation about influence, patronage and the role of state-linked institutions in public initiatives.
While GoldBod Jewellery maintains that its involvement was limited to promotional discounts, the debate illustrates how corporate partnerships—especially those linked to government-related entities—can quickly become entangled in the highly charged political environment.
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