Probe Agradaa for Gift Tax -Minority Urges GRA in ‘Dollars Saga’ Involving Sammy Gyamfi
—Calls for Dismissal, Investigation, and Presidential Apology
The Minority in Parliament has demanded immediate sanctions and a thorough investigation into the conduct of Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, following the circulation of a video showing him handing over large sums of US dollars to controversial evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
The Minority raised concerns about potential tax evasion, calling on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to investigate Nana Agradaa for gift tax liabilities related to the alleged $10,000 she received in the video.
“Under Ghana’s tax laws, gifts above a certain threshold are taxable. The GRA must act within the mandated 21-day window,” they stressed.
In a press briefing addressed by Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Kabiru Tiah Mahama, the Minority described the footage as “disturbing” and labeled it a “gross display of financial recklessness,” asserting that it betrays public trust and insults Ghanaians battling severe economic hardship.
“It is a slap in the face of millions of Ghanaians currently grappling with the devastating effects of the cedi’s depreciation, rising inflation, and the skyrocketing cost of living,” the Minority lamented.
They expressed particular concern that Mr. Gyamfi, a vocal advocate for economic discipline and anti-corruption, had contradicted his own public principles through his actions.
“This is not merely an isolated act of indiscretion,” Dr. Mahama stated. “It is indicative of a broader culture of impunity, abuse, and moral decay within the NDC government.”
Although the cedi has recently appreciated — moving from GHS 14.15 to GHS 13.14 against the US dollar — the Minority believes the incident undermines government efforts to restore economic stability.
“At a time when businesses are starved of foreign currency and struggling with exchange rate volatility, a senior government appointee is seen casually distributing dollars. This shows a blatant disregard for the suffering of ordinary citizens,” the Minority noted.
They also criticized the silence of the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance but acknowledged unconfirmed reports that National Security had begun a search of Mr. Gyamfi’s residence.
“If true, that is a step in the right direction, but it is certainly not enough,” Dr. Mahama stressed.
The Minority cited potential breaches of Ghana’s financial laws, including Section 3 of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), and Section 26 of the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242). They emphasized that the circulation and use of foreign currency without appropriate Bank of Ghana authorization could attract fines, imprisonment, or both.
“You are not allowed to hold and transact in foreign currency for business purposes in Ghana without clearance from the central bank,” Dr. Mahama explained
Beyond the legal implications, the Minority argued that Mr. Gyamfi’s actions violate the Code of Conduct for Public Appointees recently launched by President John Dramani Mahama.
“Mr. Gyamfi has blatantly disregarded the standards set forth in the code. The integrity and leadership of President Mahama are now under serious scrutiny,” they said.
In addition to calling for Mr. Gyamfi’s dismissal, the Minority demanded an investigation into the origin of the dollar bundles seen in the video. They questioned how such large sums of foreign currency were obtained, noting that even regular bank customers must provide proof of travel to access dollar cash.
“Ordinary Ghanaians cannot simply walk into a bank and collect US dollars. The source of these funds must be traced,” they said.
The Minority outlined three key demands:
Immediate dismissal of Mr. Sammy Gyamfi as Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board for breaching the Code of Conduct and relevant financial laws.
A full-scale investigation into the source of the US dollars displayed in the viral video.A public apology from President John Dramani Mahama to the Ghanaian people over what they described as a national embarrassment.
“Parliament cannot remain silent in the face of such brazenness,” the Minority concluded. “Mr. Gyamfi’s conduct epitomizes a regime that is wasteful, unaccountable, and dangerous.”
They called on the media to maintain pressure on public officials and to amplify the voices of citizens demanding accountability and ethical governance.
“Together, we must strive to build a Ghana that serves the interests of all — not just a privileged few.”
Source: Felix Nyaaba | ExpressNewsGhana.com
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