Agradaa Jubilates As Mahama Pardons Sammy Gyamfi Over Viral Dollar Gift

Patricia Asiamah, better known as Nana Agradaa, has expressed overwhelming joy following President John Mahama’s decision to pardon Sammy Gyamfi—Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board—after a video of him gifting her US dollars sparked public outrage. In a heartfelt Facebook video shared by Ghana Weekend, Agradaa, adorned with white powder in her hair, could be seen ecstatically recounting her relief over the President’s intervention.

In the clip, Agradaa described how she spent days praying for Gyamfi’s reprieve, fearful that the gesture of $800 might cost him his position. “I told God, ‘If Sammy Gyamfi loses his job, I’ll burn my church to ashes,’” she revealed, her voice trembling with emotion. “But God chose to protect both my ministry and Sammy’s career. This pardon is nothing short of a miracle.”

The controversy erupted when footage emerged of Gyamfi handing Agradaa the dollar notes, prompting widespread criticism and a formal petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice. Critics questioned whether a public official ought to make such a personal gift, arguing it blurred the lines between state duties and private favors.

At a press briefing on May 14, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that, although the episode was regrettable, President Mahama had accepted Gyamfi’s apology and would forego any sanctions, instead issuing a general reminder about the conduct expected of public servants. With the matter now officially closed, Agradaa has embraced the pardon as proof of divine grace, hailing it as an affirmation of faith and a fresh start for all involved.