GoldBod Jewellery clarifies role in Women of Valour event after social media backlash

A subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board has moved to clarify its involvement in a women’s empowerment event in the United Kingdom after facing criticism on social media over claims that it sponsored the programme.

GoldBod Jewellery Limited stated that it did not provide financial sponsorship for the 2026 Women of Valour event, which was held on March 7 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

The company issued the clarification after a photograph circulated online showing GoldBod Jewellery listed among partners for the event, prompting questions from some social media users about why a state-linked institution would sponsor a private programme held abroad.

The event, founded by Ghanaian broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah, brought together women from various professional backgrounds for networking and discussions ahead of International Women’s Day.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, GoldBod Jewellery explained that its involvement was limited to offering promotional discounts to participants and did not include direct financial support.

“GoldBod Jewellery Limited is listed as one of the partners of this year’s Women of Valour event because the company offered discounts on jewellery purchases to participants of the programme as part of our ongoing Ghana Heritage Month promotions,” the company said.

Public debate

The clarification follows mounting criticism online, with some commentators questioning whether public institutions should be associated with privately organised events that are not widely accessible to the general public.

Others also raised concerns about the optics of a government-linked company appearing as a sponsor at an event held outside Ghana.

The controversy has sparked broader debate on social media about the relationship between public institutions and privately organised programmes, particularly those promoted as empowerment initiatives.

Despite the explanation, discussions around the event and the company’s involvement have continued across digital platforms, with calls from some users for clearer guidelines on how state-affiliated organisations engage with external programmes.