Minority Demands Tough Sanctions Over Sammy Gyamfi’s ‘Agradaa Dollars Saga’
The Minority in Parliament has issued a strong call for immediate sanctions and a full investigation into the actions of Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, over a widely circulated video in which he is seen distributing large bundles of United States dollars to controversial evangelist Patricia Oduro, also known as Nana Agradaa.
Describing the video as “disturbing,” the Minority at a press conference addressed by Hon (Dr) Abdul-Kabiru Tiah Mahama condemned what they termed a “display of financial recklessness,” asserting it is a betrayal of public trust and an insult to millions of Ghanaians facing economic hardship.
“It is a slap in the face of millions of Ghanaians currently grappling with the devastating effects of the cedi, inflation and the unbearable cost of living,” the Minority stated.
They noted that Mr. Gyamfi, who has been a vocal advocate of economic discipline and anti-corruption, had by this act contradicted his own public stance.
“Let us be clear, this is not an isolated moment of indiscretion. It is symptomatic of a broader culture of abuse, impunity and moral decay in the house of the NDC government,” the Minority added.
Despite recent appreciation of the cedi — from GHS 14.15 to GHS 13.14 against the dollar — the opposition said this incident undermines government efforts to stabilize the economy.
“While businesses across the country are being suffocated by dollar shortages and an erratic exchange rate, a government official with access to state resources is seen splashing United States dollars,” the statement read. “This sends a message of indifference to the struggle of ordinary Ghanaians.”
They further criticized the silence from the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance, although they acknowledged reports that National Security had begun searching Mr. Gyamfi’s residence.
“If that is true, at least it is one step we must commend. But it doesn’t end there,” Dr Kabiru Mahama cautioned.
The Minority also cited violations of financial laws, referencing Section 3 of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723) and Section 26 of the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242).
“The action of Mr. Gyamfi in keeping, spending and circulating foreign currency is clearly an offense,” they said, noting that such acts could attract fines, prison sentences, or both. “You are not allowed to hold foreign currency for the purpose of doing any business within Ghana without Bank of Ghana approval,” Dr Kabiru Mahama stated.
The Minority argued that beyond legal breaches, the incident flies in the face of the Code of Conduct for Public Appointees recently launched by President John Dramani Mahama.
“Mr. Gyamfi has ripped apart this requirement,” they said. “God has a way of testing the integrity and faith of men. The integrity and faith of the President, John Dramani Mahama, in his own words, have been put to the test.”
The Minority also questioned the source of the dollars, emphasizing that even account holders must show proof of travel to access dollar cash from banks.
“Ordinary Ghanaians cannot just walk into a bank and access dollar cash. We need a full-scale investigation into the source of the dollar bundle displayed in that viral video.”
The Minority further pointed to possible tax evasion on the part of Nana Agradaa.
“There is an obligation on Nana Agradaa as well — to pay tax on the supposed $10,000 received,” they said, citing gift tax provisions under Ghana’s income tax laws. “The GRA must take action within 21 days, as required by law.”
Three Key Demands from the Minority:
Immediate dismissal of Mr. Sammy Gyamfi as acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board for violating the Code of Conduct, Foreign Exchange Act, and Currency Act.
A full-scale investigation into the origin of the dollar bundles seen in the video.
A public apology from the President to Ghanaians, whom the Minority says have been disrespected by the incident.
“Let it not be said that this Parliament was silent in the face of such brazenness,” they concluded. “Mr. Gyamfi’s actions reflect the true character of this regime: wasteful, unaccountable and dangerous.”
They called on the media to continue holding public officials accountable and to champion the voices of Ghanaians demanding better leadership.
“Together, we can build a Ghana that works for all, not just a select few.”
Source: Felix Nyaaba | ExpressNewsGhana.com
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