Jennifer Praises Mahama’s Oil Refining Vision,Defends GoldBod As Economic Shield

Ghanaian social commentator Jennifer Oppong has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s approach to managing the country’s oil and gold resources, arguing that processing natural resources locally could strengthen the economy and reduce its vulnerability to international disruptions.

In a Facebook post published on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Oppong addressed Kofi Bentil, highlighting the importance of developing domestic industries capable of adding value to Ghana’s natural resources.

She pointed to tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz as an example of how geopolitical developments can disrupt global supply chains and place pressure on countries that depend heavily on imported essential commodities.

According to Oppong, increasing Ghana’s capacity to refine crude oil locally could help the country reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products and better withstand external economic shocks.

“When you have the foresight like John Dramani Mahama to refine 40% of the oil God gave you right here in Ghana,” she wrote, presenting local refining as a way to strengthen the country’s economic resilience.

Oppong also discussed Ghana’s gold resources, defending the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, commonly known as GoldBod. She argued that the country should pursue policies that allow more of the economic benefits generated by its mineral wealth to remain within the domestic economy.

Her comments focused on the broader question of how Ghana can maximise returns from its natural resources rather than relying on the export of raw materials or arrangements that she believes provide limited benefits to the public.

Oppong also criticised the Agyapa Royalties deal, claiming that approximately GH¢150 million was spent on planning its implementation. She questioned whether such expenditure adequately served the wider economic interests of Ghanaians.

Her remarks have brought attention to ongoing discussions about resource management, local industrial development and the best ways to generate long-term economic benefits from Ghana’s oil and gold industries.

The debate also highlights the importance of evaluating policies based on their economic outcomes, including their effects on public revenue, employment, domestic investment and the country’s ability to withstand international market disruptions.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1WQWVV5x3S/

Zee_latest [email protected]