Jennifer Oppong: God Gave Us Oil to Refine, Not for Chinchinga and Chibom

Ghanaian social commentator Jennifer Oppong has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s approach to local oil refining and gold resource management, arguing that effective utilisation of the country’s natural resources could strengthen the economy against global economic shocks. In a post on her official Facebook account on Sunday, October 25, 2026, captioned “God Did Not Give Us Oil For Chinchinga And Chibom, He Gave Us Oil To Refine,” Oppong made a passionate case for value addition over consumption.

The post’s striking caption captures Oppong’s central argument: that Ghana’s natural wealth was never intended to be consumed casually at roadside grills but to be refined and harnessed for national development. By contrasting “chinchinga and chibom” — the popular street foods often enjoyed with oil-rich preparations — with the higher purpose of refining, she dramatised what she sees as a wasteful approach to managing the country’s resources. Her message called for a shift in mindset from consumption to industrial value creation.

Oppong directed her praise at President Mahama’s handling of both the oil and gold sectors, suggesting that his administration’s emphasis on local refining and resource management reflects a deeper understanding of economic sovereignty. She argued that refining oil domestically and managing gold resources prudently would reduce Ghana’s exposure to global market volatility and create jobs along the value chain. For Oppong, this is not merely an economic strategy but a matter of national stewardship.

The commentary situates the debate within a broader conversation about how Ghana should leverage its natural endowments. Oppong’s framing implies that past approaches have squandered opportunities, and she positions the current administration’s focus on refining and resource management as a corrective path. Her tone was both appreciative and urgent, underscoring that the stakes extend beyond policy to the very future of the economy.

Ultimately, Oppong’s post serves as a call for Ghanaians to rethink the purpose of the country’s resources. Her message was unambiguous — the oil beneath Ghana’s soil was a gift meant for refining and transformation, not for fleeting roadside pleasures, and she credits President Mahama with recognising that distinction.