Ghanaian MP Afenyo-Markin Rocked by Extortion Scandal, Launches Lawsuit

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has firmly declared his readiness to fully cooperate with any investigation into allegations of extortion leveled against him. These statements come amidst an escalating public dispute, following claims of extortion and related misconduct made by Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), and Eric Adjei of NEIP.

Speaking during an emergency parliamentary recall sitting on Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr. Afenyo-Markin challenged his accusers to formally report the matter to the appropriate authorities, such as the Police or the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He expressed confidence that if invited, he would submit himself to every investigation to clear his name. "If they muster the courage to report that I have extorted from them and I am invited, I shall submit myself to every investigation so that eventually my name is cleared," he stated.

In response to the allegations, Mr. Afenyo-Markin has already initiated legal proceedings, describing his decision to pursue the matter through lawful channels as taking the "high moral ground." He has filed two separate writs against individuals and media organizations. The first suit, numbered GT 1029/2026, is titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Samuel Adu-Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited, filed at the Accra High Court. The second action, GR/ACH/CC/C5/02/2026, is titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Eric Adjei and Peace FM, filed at the Achimota Circuit Court. The Minority Leader expressed confidence that the courts would make the appropriate determination on these matters.

The controversy stems from Mr. Afenyo-Markin's scrutiny of GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). He had been demanding greater transparency regarding a reported US$1.7 billion loss under the programme, asserting that public resources were involved and calling for detailed explanations of transactions, off-takers, discounts, and fees. Sammy Gyamfi, however, rejected the suggestion that GoldBod incurred the reported loss and pushed back against Afenyo-Markin's claims, leading to an exchange of accusations and counter-accusations in the media. Mr. Afenyo-Markin maintains that his scrutiny is a legitimate part of Parliament's constitutional oversight responsibility.

Adding another layer to the dispute, Andrew Appiah Danquah, Director of Legal and Constitutional Affairs of the United Party, has defended his party's decision to petition multiple state institutions for an investigation into the alleged extortion. These institutions include the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Police, CHRAJ, the Attorney-General, and the Speaker of Parliament. Mr. Appiah Danquah emphasized that the petition seeks an investigation to establish facts, not a declaration of guilt, while insisting on the seriousness of the claims made by Sammy Gyamfi and Eric Adjei.

The United Party's petition highlights two critical issues: whether parliamentary authority might have been used for purposes unintended by the Constitution, and the criminal dimension of the allegations, particularly claims of extortion and the alleged use of public office for private financial gain. Mr. Appiah Danquah clarified that the petition acknowledges the distinct constitutional and statutory mandates of the various institutions, allowing them to examine different aspects of the allegations. He specifically cited Section 79 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, arguing its jurisdiction over corruption-related offences involving public officers, which could encompass extortion.

The petition stresses that it should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt against the Minority Leader. Instead, it aims to establish the veracity of the allegations, ensuring Mr. Afenyo-Markin is afforded the presumption of innocence and an opportunity to respond. The petition suggests that if true, the allegations could disclose an attempt to leverage political standing, parliamentary influence, access to information, or the threat of reputational injury for substantial private financial benefit. It calls upon the agencies to obtain statements from the accusers, identify any intermediaries, preserve relevant evidence, and determine if any public office or institutional authority was used as leverage. The ultimate objective, Mr. Appiah Danquah reiterated, is to establish the facts, either substantiating the allegations or clearing the Minority Leader's name.

Throughout these developments, Mr. Afenyo-Markin has also cautioned against what he described as unacceptable lines being crossed in political discourse, stating, "There is a limit to political discourse. There are lines that must not be crossed, and these red lines, once crossed, they must be dealt with." He further defended his tenure as Minority Leader, affirming that he has served with integrity, hard work, and a clear conscience, remaining faithful to his responsibilities.