Mining Expert | Politician | Businesswoman | Philanthropist
In the realm of Ghana's business elite stands Joana Gyan, a remarkable private business executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As the CEO and founder of GOLDEN EMPIRE LEGACY LIMITED, she has etched her name into the annals of Ghana's rapidly growing business landscape. Gyan, a doppelganger of resilience forged in life's adversities, has emerged as a charismatic visionary and defender of the oppressed. Born as Joana Maa-Adjoa Nana Awoo Gyan in Dunkwa-offin, Ghana, Joana faced the harsh realities of life from the start. The 19th child of Ambrose Kojo Gyan, a farmer and COCOBOD subcontractor, and Agnès Nyarko, Joana's journey began without the silver spoon. Economic challenges and an oversized family forced her to work from a young age, at the age of 8.
Despite financial challenges, Joana embarked on her formal education at Wassa Agona Methodist Primary School at the age of three. However, her studies faced truncation due to financial hardships, leading her to leave Dunkwa-offin and venture to Accra. Alone in the city, Joana navigated the streets, working odd jobs, and eventually started her first business operating a telephone booth.
Joana's life took a significant turn when she met Tyrone Jarvis, a British businessman, leading to a transformative marriage. Together, they ventured into legal mining, exploring uncharted territories and acquiring gold sites. However, fate dealt a cruel blow with Jarvis's death in 2012, leaving Joana to navigate the business world alone.
Undeterred, Joana sought funds to realize her dream and founded Golden Empire Legacy Ltd (GELL). Today, GELL stands as the largest gold agent in Ghana, procuring gold from local miners and exporting globally. Joana's achievements include being a licensed gold miner, exporter, and founder of over 15 companies spanning industries like multimedia, real estate, music, and education.
Joana's benevolence extends to her foundation, the Joana Gyan Foundation, focused on educational empowerment and improving welfare conditions in mining communities. Her philanthropic efforts have garnered recognition, including the prestigious Forbes award as the Best Female Miner of the Year in 2021. Beyond her business acumen, Joana Gyan is a visionary leader actively contributing to Ghana's development. With plans for the world's largest gold refinery and a commitment to sustainable mining practices, she continues to inspire as a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry.
Joana Gyan's glittering life is guided by the mantra, "I do not have a newspaper; I take it every day as it comes." Her journey exemplifies persistence, determination, and diligence, offering a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and women in Ghana and beyond.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @joanagyanofficial
LinkedIn: Joana Gyan