The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a vehement critique of Sammy Gyamfi, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Officer and Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, following the emergence of a video depicting him presenting fresh dollar bills to Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, also known as Nana Agradaa, a controversial religious figure. The video’s circulation ignited immediate public concern regarding the potential misuse of public funds, prompting Gyamfi to issue a public apology, characterizing his actions as a spontaneous gesture of generosity towards someone in need. This explanation, however, has failed to quell the controversy.
The NPP, speaking through National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, condemned Gyamfi’s conduct as a blatant display of indiscretion with potential legal ramifications. Addressing journalists at the party’s headquarters in Accra, Nana B argued that Gyamfi’s actions potentially violate several key financial laws of Ghana. He specifically referenced Section 3 of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), which mandates authorization from the Bank of Ghana for individuals engaging in foreign exchange transactions, suggesting that Gyamfi’s gifting of dollars might contravene this legislation. Furthermore, he invoked the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2014 (Act 874), raising concerns that the transfer of substantial foreign currency without a clear and traceable justification could be interpreted as a money laundering offense.
Nana B emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the potential damage to public trust and the integrity of public office. He called upon President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against Gyamfi, invoking the recently implemented Code of Conduct for government appointees. This Code, according to Nana B, champions principles of honesty, professionalism, and impartiality in public service. He argued that failing to reprimand Gyamfi would render the Code meaningless and undermine the President’s commitment to fostering ethical conduct within his administration.
The NPP spokesperson framed the incident as a crucial test of President Mahama’s resolve to uphold the principles enshrined in the Code of Conduct. He argued that the President’s response to this situation would signal his administration’s true commitment to accountability and transparency. By linking Gyamfi’s actions to the broader issue of public integrity, Nana B sought to portray the incident not as an isolated event, but as a reflection of the ethical standards within the NDC and the government. He positioned President Mahama at a critical juncture, forcing him to demonstrate whether his commitment to ethical conduct is genuine or merely performative.
Nana B’s call for action against Gyamfi underscores the political implications of the incident. The NPP has seized upon the video as an opportunity to criticize the NDC and President Mahama, portraying them as tolerant of potentially illegal and unethical behavior. The incident also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use and regulation of foreign currencies in Ghana, particularly concerning the potential for illicit transactions. By emphasizing the legal dimensions of Gyamfi’s actions, the NPP aims to escalate the pressure on the government and portray the incident as a serious breach of public trust.
The controversy surrounding Sammy Gyamfi’s gifting of dollars to Nana Agradaa transcends a simple act of generosity. It has become a political battleground, with the NPP using the incident to challenge the NDC’s commitment to ethical governance. The President’s response will not only determine the fate of Sammy Gyamfi but also send a powerful message about the government’s stance on accountability and the enforcement of its own Code of Conduct. Furthermore, the public discourse surrounding the incident raises broader questions about the regulation of foreign currency transactions in Ghana and the need for greater transparency in the financial dealings of public officials.
