Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda and former Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has questioned the growing number of profit and surplus declarations by state institutions amid concerns over unemployment and the pace of economic opportunities for Ghanaians.
Mr Acquah is seeking an explanation from the government over what he considers an apparent disconnect between the improved financial performance being reported by some public institutions and the economic realities confronting many citizens, particularly young people seeking employment.
Commenting on the development in Social media post, the MP asked: “It seems as though all state institutions and parastatal bodies are declaring profits and surpluses in the face of wanton unemployment and a failed 24-hour Economy policy. What is really happening?”
His remarks come against the backdrop of financial reports showing significant improvements in the earnings and surpluses of a number of state-owned enterprises and statutory public institutions for the 2025 financial year.
Among the institutions attracting attention are the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority is reported ti have recorded a substantial increase in its net surplus in 2025.
Figures contained in the 2025 State Ownership Report of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) indicate that the GSA’s net surplus increased by 271.52 per cent, rising from GH¢69.52 million in 2024 to GH¢258.30 million in 2025.
The Authority’s total income also nearly doubled, increasing from GH¢191.76 million in 2024 to GH¢380.15 million in 2025.
Its total assets rose to GH¢979.92 million, bringing the Authority’s balance sheet close to the GH¢1 billion mark.
The figures represent a significant improvement in the GSA’s financial position and have contributed to the broader discussion over the performance of state-owned entities and their contribution to the national economy.
The Ghana Gold Board has also featured prominently in the debate over the financial performance of state institutions.
GoldBod reported an operational surplus of approximately GH¢907 million and an overall surplus of more than GH¢5.4 billion for the 2025 financial year.
However, the figures have generated public debate, particularly over the distinction between GoldBod’s operational performance and capital provided by the government.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has defended the institution’s financial position, insisting that it did not make losses.
According to Mr Gyamfi, GoldBod’s audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, recorded an operational surplus of GH¢907 million, after accounting for its operational expenditure.
He explained that the larger overall surplus included about GH¢4.5 billion in revolving seed capital provided by the government as equity to support the operations of the newly established institution.
Mr Gyamfi has consequently argued that the GH¢5.4 billion figure should not be interpreted solely as profit generated from GoldBod’s commercial activities.
He has also rejected claims linking GoldBod to the US$1.7 billion loss associated with the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme in 2025.
According to the GoldBod CEO, the reported loss relates to the Bank of Ghana’s programme and should not be conflated with GoldBod’s audited financial performance.
The National Petroleum Authority is another public institution reporting stronger financial performance.
The NPA recorded revenue of about GH¢819 million in 2025, alongside an increase in its surplus.
The reported performance has further fuelled discussions about the financial health of state institutions and whether improved revenues and surpluses are translating into broader economic benefits for citizens.
For Mr Acquah, however, the issue goes beyond whether state institutions are recording surpluses.
His concern is whether the financial gains being reported by public institutions are translating into jobs, increased economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
The government has promoted the 24-hour economy as a key policy aimed at expanding production, stimulating investment and creating employment opportunities.
Mr Acquah’s comments therefore question whether the reported financial gains of state institutions are consistent with the employment situation on the ground.
His reference to “wanton unemployment” places the debate within the broader challenge of creating sustainable jobs, particularly for Ghana’s growing youth population.
Financial surpluses, however, do not automatically translate into job creation or mean that the funds can be freely spent on other government programmes.
State institutions operate under different statutory mandates, financial structures and accounting arrangements. Some reported surpluses may also include capital injections, investment income or other non-operational items.
The GoldBod figures provide a clear example of the distinction between an operational surplus and an overall surplus, with a significant portion of the latter comprising government-provided revolving seed capital.
The GSA’s figures, meanwhile, demonstrate a substantial year-on-year increase in both income and net surplus.
The issue raised by Mr Acquah is therefore likely to remain part of the wider debate over how state institutions are managed, how their financial gains are utilised and whether their improved performance is contributing meaningfully to employment and economic development.
Ultimately, his question “What is really happening?” puts the spotlight on the need to examine not only how much state institutions are reporting in surpluses, but also what those figures mean for ordinary Ghanaians and the government’s broader economic and job-creation agenda.
By 1960news.com
