The controversy surrounding Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), has escalated significantly after a video surfaced showing him handing an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, also known as Nana Agradaa. This incident has sparked widespread public backlash, raising ethical questions and prompting calls for his suspension or dismissal.

Following the incident, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), defended Gyamfi, arguing that the President’s Code of Conduct does not explicitly prohibit the act of giving gifts. However, this defense has not quelled public criticism. The Minority in Parliament has demanded Gyamfi's immediate suspension or dismissal, citing violations of the Code of Conduct, the Forex Exchange Act, and the Currency Act. Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama, a Member of Parliament, emphasized that Gyamfi, as a lawyer, should be aware of the legal implications of his actions.

Numerous prominent Ghanaian figures have also joined the call for Gyamfi’s dismissal. Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist, stated that Gyamfi’s actions contravene the President’s Code of Conduct for appointees. Mary Awelana Addah, the Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana, urged President Mahama to demonstrate his commitment to ethical governance by taking decisive action. Similarly, economist Theo Acheampong referenced the President’s pledge to deal swiftly with any appointee who breaches the Code of Conduct.

Elvis Darko, Editor of Newscenta Newspaper, warned that failing to dismiss Gyamfi could undermine the credibility of the Code of Conduct. Captain Nkrabea Effah Dartey (Rtd) suggested that Gyamfi’s actions might be a deliberate test of President Mahama’s resolve to enforce the Code. In contrast, Victor Adawudu, a member of the NDC Legal and Communications team, defended Gyamfi, portraying the act as a spontaneous gesture of kindness rather than a display of wealth.

Ghanaian comedian DKB has also weighed in, urging critics to give Sammy Gyamfi some slack, arguing that public officeholders have done worse things without being held accountable. DKB suggested that the intense criticism stems from the fact that the money was given to Nana Agradaa, who is perceived negatively by some due to her past remarks about the president.

This incident is not isolated in Ghana’s political history, as several scandals involving foreign currencies have captured national attention. One notable example is the case of former Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose reported theft of significant sums of U.S. dollars, euros, and Ghana cedis led to her resignation. Another instance involves Victoria Lakshmi Hammah, a former Deputy Minister, who was dismissed after an audio recording surfaced in which she allegedly stated her intention to make one million US dollars from politics.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has summoned Sammy Gyamfi to address the situation. Sources indicate that Gyamfi appeared remorseful after the meeting. Osman Ayariga, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), shared a cryptic message on Facebook, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of political life and the lessons to be learned from the controversy. TV3 reports that despite the apology, Gyamfi met with Julius Debrah to discuss the controversy further. 3news.com confirmed Gyamfi was summoned to answer questions about the video.