ACCRA, Ghana — The acting chief executive officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, is facing public scrutiny following the circulation of a video showing him giving an $800 cash gift to Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, also known as Nana Agradaa. The incident has drawn responses from political leaders, public officials and civil society groups, raising concerns about ethics and transparency in public service.
Chief of Staff Summons Gyamfi
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah reportedly summoned Gyamfi for a meeting after the video gained widespread attention. While details of the meeting were not disclosed, the move was understood to be in response to public concerns surrounding the cash exchange.
Calls for Investigation and Suspension
The Minority in Parliament has called for Gyamfi’s suspension or dismissal, arguing that the gesture may conflict with the government’s code of conduct. Lawmakers urged President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. Elvis Darko, editor of Newscenta newspaper, also cautioned that inaction could damage public trust in ethical governance.
Political Reactions and Defenses
Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama, member of parliament for Walewale, supported the call for disciplinary action and drew comparisons to a previous ethics case involving former minister Cecilia Dapaah.
Not all responses have been critical. Evangelist Agradaa defended Gyamfi, referring to the amount as relatively insignificant. Francis-Xavier Sosu, MP for Madina, dismissed the controversy as politically motivated, stating that no laws had been broken.
Public Sentiment and Government Response
Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the Mahama administration is taking the matter seriously and criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he described as politically opportunistic reactions. He added that the government values transparency and recognizes the importance of addressing public concerns.
Call for Transparency
Ibrahim Adjei, a former assistant secretary in the Akufo-Addo administration, called on Gyamfi to publicly disclose the source of the cash gift to maintain confidence in the leadership of the Ghana Gold Board.
CHRAJ Petition and Ethical Review
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has received a petition requesting a formal investigation into the matter. The petition could lead to further legal and ethical review.
As the controversy unfolds, observers are watching closely to see how the government addresses the issue, which some say may carry broader implications for public accountability and trust in governance.
