At the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026 Breakfast Meeting, Gertrude Emefa Donkor Esq, Managing Director of GoldBod Jewellery Limited, delivered a powerful keynote address on the theme “Youth, Women and SMEs in Mining.”
Ms. Donkor underscored the critical role of women, youth, and small enterprises in Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, describing them as the backbone of the industry. She cautioned that persistent challenges—skills gaps, limited access to finance, regulatory hurdles, and entrenched social barriers—continue to stifle their potential. “Neglecting these groups perpetuates inequality while undermining innovation, rural development, environmental stewardship, and shared prosperity,” she emphasized.
Outlining practical solutions, she called for targeted skills training, simplified digital regulations, inclusive financing models, and stronger integration of local SMEs into mining value chains and regional trade. She urged the creation of safe, dignified environments for women, dismantling stereotypes, and expanding leadership opportunities across the sector.
Highlighting GoldBod Jewellery’s contribution, Ms. Donkor pointed to initiatives such as fair gold purchasing, liquidity access, traceability systems, technical support, and value addition. She noted that the company prioritizes employment opportunities for women and youth, positioning mining as a driver of equity, dignity, and prosperity in Ghana.
Following her keynote, Ms. Donkor toured the outdoor showroom, warmly engaging patrons with GoldBod’s jewellery collection and signature Gold Tablets, reinforcing the company’s commitment to community connection and value creation.
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