The Concerned Youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Bono and Bono East Regions of Ghana have expressed profound outrage and disappointment at the actions of Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board. Their condemnation stems from a public incident where Mr. Gyamfi was observed handing over a substantial sum of money, reportedly in U.S. dollars, to Nana Agradaa, a self-proclaimed evangelist with a tarnished reputation due to allegations of fraud. This act, witnessed by numerous individuals and captured on camera, is viewed by the youth as a blatant display of irresponsible spending, a grave insult to the struggling youth of Ghana, and a betrayal of the values and sacrifices made by loyal NDC supporters. The youth’s anger is further fueled by the fact that Mr. Gyamfi has only held his position for a short period, yet he chooses to allocate funds to a controversial figure known for her affiliation with the opposing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Concerned Youth highlight the hypocrisy of the situation by emphasizing that if a similar incident had occurred under an NPP government, there would have been widespread condemnation from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), pressure groups, and media outlets. They lament the deafening silence that has greeted Mr. Gyamfi’s actions, despite the NDC being the ruling party. The youth underscore that Mr. Gyamfi is no longer just a party communicator but a government appointee heading a crucial institution. His actions, therefore, carry significant weight and reflect not only on him personally but also on the entire NDC government and the credibility of President John Mahama’s administration. The youth assert that this conduct undermines the trust placed in the NDC and erodes public confidence in the government’s commitment to responsible governance.
The youth argue that Mr. Gyamfi’s actions violate the principles of discipline, modesty, and accountability enshrined in Article 40 of the NDC Constitution. They further contend that his behavior breaches the public trust outlined in Chapter 24 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that public officials conduct themselves with dignity and integrity. The youth express their frustration at the prevailing economic hardships faced by many young Ghanaians, who struggle with unemployment and neglect, while Mr. Gyamfi displays opulence and associates with a figure known for her allegiance to the NDC’s political rivals. This juxtaposition is seen as a stark betrayal of the youth’s trust and the sacrifices they have made for the party.
The Concerned Youth demand immediate and unqualified public apologies from Mr. Gyamfi to the NDC grassroots, the youth of Ghana, and the nation as a whole. They call for a swift investigation into the matter and disciplinary action against Mr. Gyamfi by both party and government leadership. Furthermore, they demand a clear and unequivocal message from the NDC government that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future. They emphasize that they will not remain passive while a select few misuse their power and disregard the sacrifices made by the majority.
The youth vow to hold the NDC accountable, even if it means challenging those within their own ranks. They reaffirm their commitment to the NDC’s principles of justice and integrity and urge the party to uphold these values. They call upon Ghanaians to rise against this perceived impunity and demand accountability from those in positions of power.
This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the NDC, highlighting the deep-seated concerns among the youth about the actions of party officials. The youth’s demands for accountability and transparency underscore their commitment to upholding the party’s values and ensuring that public resources are used responsibly. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct among public officials and the need for swift action to address instances of perceived misconduct. The youth’s vocal opposition to Mr. Gyamfi’s actions sends a powerful message that they will not tolerate behavior that undermines the party’s integrity or betrays the trust of the Ghanaian people. The future of the NDC and its ability to maintain the confidence of the youth may well hinge on its response to this controversy.
