Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has dismissed criticism from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over Sammy Gyamfi’s recent dollar gift controversy, arguing that the opposition lacks the moral credibility to speak on the issue.
In a firm response to comments made by the NPP Minority and their calls for stricter punishment for Gyamfi, Ofosu stated that while the opposition is free to express its views, those views must be examined in light of their own record in government.
“The Minority is free to say whatever they want except that we will subject what they say to scrutiny bearing their own abysmal and appalling record in government. The level of impunity that they displayed. The free-for-all and the tendency for the presidency to encourage such misconduct,” he said.
He further accused the NPP of turning a blind eye to serious infractions during their tenure, citing examples of violence and lawlessness that went unpunished.
“These are the group of people who did not even take action against people who killed others during elections. There were thugs of theirs who invaded court and ransacked the place. They went to Ayawaso West Wuogon, shot at people, injured people – nothing was done. So I am not sure where the Minority will get the moral authority from to even comment on this matter,” he added.
Turning attention to how the government handled the Sammy Gyamfi situation, Ofosu emphasised that the government took decisive and appropriate steps.
“But in this particular instance, specific action has been taken. The man has apologised. A public apology is part of the sanction regime in the code of conduct. A caution which says ‘don’t do this again’ is also a form of punishment,” he explained.
He noted that President Mahama’s decision to approve both actions shows the seriousness with which the issue was treated.
“If the president did not take a serious view of the matter, he would not have occasioned these actions to be taken. So we believe sufficient efforts have gone to ensure that this does not recur in the future,” he said.
The Presidency maintains that the measures taken — a public apology and a formal caution — are appropriate and adequate responses to the incident.
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