Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has come under heavy public bashing, following the circulation of a viral video showing him handing out dollar bills to notorious and controversial preacher, Evangelist Mama Pat, alias “Agradaa.”
While, the footage does not clearly indicate the exact location of the encounter, it appears the self-styled evangelist, approached Mr Gyamfi, who was seen driving a luxury Range Rover, midway through a journey and demanded money from him.
The incident has ignited widespread debate on social media, with critics accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Director of undermining President John Mahama’s newly announced code of conduct for public officials.
One viral post read: “Sammy Gyamfi rubbishes Mahama’s code of conduct for appointees; sprays $10,000 on Komfo-Kristo Agradaa in public.”
In the video, Mr Gyamfi, is seen stepping out of his vehicle to greet Agradaa and pose for photographs with her and her entourage.
He then reaches into the car to retrieve what appears to be foreign currency. As he sat in the vehicle counting the cash, cameras operated by Agradaa’s team focused intently on the transaction.
During the exchange, Agradaa, was heard demanding the full amount, believed to exceed US$5,000.
Before Mr Gyamfi, could respond, she abruptly snatched the money from his hands and began celebrating loudly in Twi, declaring, “I have taken dollars from Sammy Gyamfi—who says the man no dey?”
The lady who started as a television magician, claiming to have the power to double money in what she called “Sika Gari,” was seen waving the foreign notes jubilantly, flanked by a man believed to be her husband, Angel Asiamah.
Mr Gyamfi, seated in the back of the vehicle alongside another man, was subsequently driven away from the scene, as two uniformed police officers looked on, seemingly perplexed.
A loud musical instrument played in the background, suggesting the setting might have been a church event or a funeral.
The footage has since gone viral, attracting widespread condemnation on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Comparisons, have been drawn between Mr Gyamfi and former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, in whose residence large sums of money in foreign and local currency, were reportedly stolen.
Both NDC supporters and political opponents, have seized the moment.
A Facebook account named “NPP Projects Bureau” issued an open appeal to the Special Prosecutor, stating:
“Dear Special Prosecutor,
We bring to your attention a potential breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod, has been publicly displaying and gifting dollar notes, which may contravene regulations governing public officials’ conduct.
We request investigation into this matter.
Sincerely,
Ghanaians”
The debate continues to swirl on the matter. Many Ghanaians are demanding accountability and calling for clarification on the source and purpose of the foreign currency disbursed in such a public and controversial manner.