The Minority Caucus has launched a scathing attack on Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, following the circulation of a viral video that shows him doling out of U.S. dollars to popular religious figure Patricia Oduro, also known as Nana Agradaa.
At a press conference held Monday morning, the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Hon. Abdul-Kabiru Tiah, described the act as “a symbol of arrogance and disdain” and called for urgent sanctions, investigations, and a public apology from the presidency.
“This display of financial recklessness is not only a betrayal of public trust but a slap in the face of millions of Ghanaians currently grappling with the devastating effects of the cedi depreciation and inflation,” Hon. Tiah declared.
The Minority insists that Mr. Gyamfi’s actions violate not only economic laws but also a recent presidential code of conduct that instructs government appointees to avoid opulence and prioritize the national interest.
Dr. Abdul-Kabiru accused Sammy Gyamfi of raping the requirements set by the President himself. “This is a moral test for President Mahama. Will he walk the talk?” the MP challenged.
The Caucus stressed the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), and the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), both of which prohibit the unauthorized handling and circulation of foreign currency. They also referenced Bank of Ghana notices reminding citizens that only the cedi is legal tender within Ghana.
“It is illegal to make payments in foreign currency without written authorization. The penalties include hefty fines or prison terms,” Hon. Tiah stated.
The press briefing comes amid slight improvements in the exchange rate, with the cedi appreciating from GHS 14.15 to GHS 13.14 per dollar as of May 9. The Minority stressed the dollar-splash video undermines gains by the Cedi against the US dollar – GH¢14.15 to GH¢13.14 per dollar as of May 9 – and sends conflicting signals to the public.
“While the government celebrates the cedi’s modest recovery, one of its top officials is handing out dollars in public. It’s not just hypocrisy—it’s sabotage,” he said.
Sammy Gyamfi and his supporters have defended the act as an act of generosity but the Minority insists the “gift” to Nana Agradaa raises red flags around tax evasion.
The law, he said, requires recipients of significant gifts to file tax returns within 21 days and urged the GRA to show seriousness in enforcing this because no one is above the law.
Dr. Abdul-Kabiru issued three demands:
The immediate removal or sanctioning of Sammy Gyamfi as Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board; A full-scale probe into the source and movement of the dollars displayed in the video; and an official apology from the Office of the President to the people of Ghana.
“Let it not be said that this Parliament was silent in the face of such brazenness. The people of Ghana deserve leadership, not arrogance,” Hon. Tiah stressed.
He urged the media to intensify scrutiny of public officials and champion the voices of Ghanaians who are “tired of corruption cloaked in generosity.”
