Many Ghanaians are outraged after Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), publicly gifted a large sum of U.S. dollars to Evangelist Mama Pat popularly known as Agradaa.
While Agradaa claimed the cash—stacked in $100 bills—amounted to $2,000, suspicions abound that the actual sum was far greater.
A viral video shows Gyamfi, who also serves as the NDC’s National Communications Officer, counting and handing over the dollars to Agradaa. The spectacle has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics decrying it as unethical for a public official.
Some are now demanding his resignation or dismissal, citing potential corruption and a breach of public trust.
Meeting
According to reports, Gyamfi and Agradaa met at a funeral where Agradaa asked him for money to buy fuel.
He then went to his car, counted the bills, and handed them to Agradaa.
Summons
Available information indicate that the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has summoned Gyamfi over the matter.
Sources say the GoldBod boss will be made to explain the circumstances surrounding the issue.
Condemnation
Many people believe that this public display of cash, especially in dollars, goes against the code of conduct for political appointees established by the President to combat corruption and ensure accountability.
Some comments on Facebook included:
- ”If someone can just pull out 2,000 dollars from his car at a glance, imagine how much he’s keeping in that car. It’ll be quadruple Cecilia Dapaah’s bed money.”
- ”If within 120 days, those who complained about the price of kenkey are suddenly sharing dollars like groundnuts, what will they distribute in 365 days?”
- ”Wow, just 120 days into his role as CEO of GoldBod, and he can afford to give away a bundle of 100 greenbacks. This is what the camera captured; I wonder how many more he’s been giving away out of the public eye. This country is no longer for the poor!”
Apology
Meanwhile, Gyamfi has apologised for his act, explaining that he thought it was an sct of kindness to a fellow human being.
Sammy Gyamfi’s full statement
Folks, I have taken notice of the wave of criticisms against my person in the last 24 hours.
To clarify, this was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and life-long custom of lending a helping hand to people in need.
I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space. That is unfortunate and regrettable.
I must say that, I understand the uproar that this gesture has generated, particularly from comrades who are sincerely hurt by same. To all such comrades, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views.
My profound appreciation goes to all those who have reached out to counsel and encourage me. I’m most grateful for your solidarity.
Let me state however, that my view of public office as a privilege to serve society, solve problems and help others, has not changed.
I remain focused on the task entrusted to me by His Excellency, the President for the development of our country.
Stay blessed and have a blissful Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out here.
