Anti-corruption crusader and development advocate, Raphael Ahenu, is urging President John Mahama to place resource governance at the heart of his administration’s agenda, emphasizing that resetting the sector is crucial for Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term resilience.
He believes that strategic reforms in the mining, oil, and forestry sectors, backed by strong institutions and citizen engagement, can dramatically improve revenue mobilization, curb illicit financial flows, and promote inclusive growth.
“Resetting the resource sector will not only restore investor confidence but also secure funds for education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” he added. “It is the foundation for building a resilient and self-reliant economy.”
Mr. Ahenu, who is the founder of the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), told rbnewshub.com in Sunyani that Ghana’s vast natural resources have the potential to lift millions out of poverty if managed with transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
“Ghana’s economy is gasping for relief,” Ahenu stated. “The quickest and most effective oxygen we can give it lies in our resource sector. President Mahama must make it a central pillar of his leadership to reform and reset this space.”
According to him, decades of poor oversight, corruption, weak regulatory enforcement, and inequitable distribution of resource revenues have undermined the country’s development efforts.
“It is unacceptable that while our lands are rich in gold, bauxite, oil, and other natural resources, the majority of our people live in deprivation,” he said.
The anti-corruption advocate called for the immediate implementation of stronger monitoring mechanisms, community participation in resource management, and transparency in contracts and revenue utilization.
He also recommended revisiting existing mining agreements and tightening environmental regulations to safeguard communities affected by extractive activities.
Mr. Ahenu’s appeal comes at a time when Ghanaians are demanding greater accountability in the management of the nation’s wealth. He concluded by urging civil society, the media, and citizens to hold government accountable and ensure that Ghana’s natural riches benefit all—not just a privileged few.
“The time is now,” he emphasized. “If President Mahama truly wants to change the course of this nation, let him start with the one thing that touches every sector of our society—resource governance.”
